Obi , Bishop Ezeokafor , Ngige, Ekwunife , others weep for Chukwumerije , lacks words

www.odogwublog.com reports that Eminent people in Anambra state yesterday joined
other Nigerians to pay tribute to Senator representing Abia North District, Uche Chukwumerije, who died on Sunday, April 19 ,2015, at the age of 75 .

The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi described Uche Chukwumerije as one Senator and renowned public servant that was not afraid of his own, rusty voice. He prayed to God for the repose of his soul. 

Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor expressed deep shock  over the death of Sen. Chukwumerije who he described as frontline politician and astute administrator noting that he (Chukwumerije) would be remembered for his immense contribution to nation building. 

He prayed God to grant the family and the entire people of Abia North Senatorial district, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

In her remark, Rep. Uche Ekwunife, the Senator-elect for Anambra Central district, described the demise as “A colossal loss to the Igbo people and Nigeria at large."

'Chukwumerije was one of the strong and audible voices at the red chambers of National Assembly.

'We shall miss his courageous representation,” Ekwunife said while enjoining his children to emulate their father and keep his legacies.

Former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife described him as “ A true Nigerian, and a true Igbo man."

'Chukwumerije’s death was the death of an honest, upright, courageous and dogged fighter.

'Not many people are like him,' Ikedife said.

Also, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB) said that the death of Chukwumerije had created a vacuum in political leadership of Igbo in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by MASSOB National Director of Information, Mr Uchenna Madu, the group described late Chukwumerije as “a dynamic and astute supporter, projector and defender of Igbo cause.”

'He always stood for justice and equity on the Igbo side as showcased on his constant efforts and pressure mounted on the Federal Government for the release of MASSOB members.

'Dike Ogu Ndigbo still commands our respect and honour, MASSOB will continue to mourn him and will also participate in his burial as a Biafran hero,” the group noted.

In his reaction, Sen. Chris Ngige said that the Senate will lose his incisive and erudite contributions to debate on motions and bills in the chambers.

'Ndigbo has lost one of her best who believed that the spirit of industry, hard work, resilience and adroitness of the Igbos could be put into good use for their survival.

'He was a very industrious, energetic patriot whose ultimate goal had always remained how to ameliorate the living condition of citizens,' Ngige said.

Also commenting, a former Commissioner for Information and Culture in the state, Chief Joemartin Uzodike said that the senator’s death was unfortunate.
Uzodike described the late senator as a straight forward person who stood between the old and the new in the society.

'He was a bridge-builder between the government and the people.

'Indeed, it is a sad moment for the Igbos. He was a straight forward politician who had always fought for the benefit of the masses,' Uzodike noted.