Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has described the death of Secretary General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr. Muhammad Barkindo, as shocking and devastating.

Barkindo reportedly died Tuesday night in Abuja, the same day he paid a courtesy call on President Muhammadu Buhari to brief him on his tenure that is about to end at OPEC.

A statement issued in Owerri by Oguwike Nwachuku, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Uzodimma, said the governor received the news of the sudden passing of Barkindo with sadness, describing it as shocking, unbelievable and unfortunate.

He said Barkindo was a prominent Nigerian professional, who devoted his time and energy in the service of the country both nationally and internationally.