Activists, politicians and community leaders were in shock today as they learnt of the untimely passing of Deyika Nzeribe, the Green Party's candidate in this year's Greater Manchester Mayor election.
Although Deyika lived in Hulme and stood regularly in local elections as a Green Party candidate for that area, he was well aware of issues within Salford, standing up and calling for the resignation of GM Police Commissioner Tony Lloyd following brutal policing at Barton Moss (see here), speaking out against the lack of democracy in the GM devolution process (see here) and, of course, criticising the proposed destruction of the green belt, the lack of action on climate change, and fracking.
Indeed, Deyika addressed the huge anti-fracking march and rally in Manchester in November (see here)..."We need to make sure that no matter who is President of the United States, whoever is in Number 10, the shale gas industry is not allowed to hoodwink the public into believing that fracking is any kind of part of an energy strategy for the future" he said
"The Green Party vision, my vision, for a Northern Powerhouse is one powered by clean, green, renewable energy, produced here in the north and which creates more jobs per pound invested than shale gas ever can; clean energy powered by its people, its wind, waves and sun...Well" he added "daylight if not sun!"
Those who worked closely with Deyika today paid tribute...
"We're all very mournful and shocked" said Wendy Olsen of Salford Green Party "We were grateful to have his leadership qualities. He'd originated in the charity and activist sector in Manchester and his work included peaceful attempts to moderate the role of police in Manchester and to ensure that we support all different groups.
"In policy terms Deyika was extremely concerned to focus on deprivation and the suffering of poor people, and he would not give up this topic" she added "He said we have to concentrate on people earning higher incomes so they won't be deprived and felt that housing and social housing specifically was how we could achieve that. So I saw him as, not a follower of people's ideas...he developed his own agenda.
"We were very grateful that he was part of the Green Party's activism" she explained "He spoke very eloquently and always had a personal element in his speeches because he saw the world in terms of people relating to each other. He was really sincere and a very peaceful leader.
"I'm extremely heartbroken" she concluded "But the Green Party will move forward, no matter how difficult...
Natalie Bennett, former leader of the Green Party added: "It was my privilege to work closely with Deyika in my time as leader. He was a man of enormous energy, passion and creativity, caring deeply for his home community of Hulme and broader communities across Manchester.
"He dedicated his life to working for these communities, and particularly to helping those at most disadvantage within them, whilst experiencing first-hand the challenges of trying to survive in the precarious casual economy" she explained "Deyika's death is a huge loss for the Green Party, but also for the city of Manchester. My thoughts are with his family, friends and Manchester Green Party for their loss."
Astrid Johnson, co-chair Manchester Green Party and mayoral campaign co-manager, said: "We are all in shock to lose this incredible man and good friend. Deyika was one of the most compassionate and thoughtful people I know. It was an honour, privilege and joy to work so closely with him over the past few months and get to know and admire him.
"He cared deeply about equality for everyone, in Hulme, Manchester and as a Mayoral Candidate for all the communities in Greater Manchester" she added "His fight has always been against poverty and inequality. My main thoughts are with his family at this time for their incredible loss."
Fellow Greater Manchester Mayor contender and Labour Party candidate, Andy Burnham, tweeted: "Very sorry to hear this. We only met once but was clear to me he was a thoroughly decent man. Thoughts with family & friends."
The Salford Star joins others in wishing Deyika's close family and friends many, many condolences...
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