President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has extended condolences to the Chukwumerije family as well as the government and people of Abia State on the death of Senator Uche Chukwumerije.
Also, United Progressive Party national chairman and presidential candidate, Chief Chekwas Okorie has extended his condolences to the Chukwumerije family.
In the same vein, the All Progressives Grand Alliance governorship aspirant in Abia State, Dr Alex Otti has also condoled with the family.
In separate press statements made available to Quick News Africa, the trio praised the works of Chukwumerije as a social activist, politician and war veteran.
President Jonathan described Chukwumerije as an ardent believer in national unity, peace, political stability and progress.
His statement read: “The President joins them in mourning the late patriot and nationalist who has left behind an impressive legacy of discipline, honesty, integrity and hard work in public service.
“President Jonathan believes that the late Senator Chukwumerije, who had a distinguished career as a journalist, social critic, Minister of Information and Senator, will be long remembered for his dedication and passion for a just and equitable society.
“As the nation mourns him, the President urges Senator Chukwumerije’s family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values and principles which he lived for and never stopped fighting for till his death”.
On his part, Okorie said he received with great shock the sad and unexpected news of the death of Chukwumerije.
His words: “A great Iroko tree in Nigeria has indeed fallen. The late Senator Chukwumerije was a man of tremendous integrity and uprightness. He conducted and carried himself in all circumstances with dignity, maturity and grace.
“Senator Chukwumerije was a committed and genuine patriot and statesman. On a personal note, I have lost a dependable ally with whom I shared thoughts on the way to provide Ndigbo purposeful and focused direction. He was very passionate on matters that concern our people.
“His death is a big loss to Nigeria, and in particular to Ndigbo, especially at this time when there is confusion on the way forward for our people in the Nigeria project”.
Also speaking on the loss, Dr. Alex Otti described Chukwumerije’s death as a huge loss to Abia, Ndigbo and Nigeria as a whole.
He stated that with the death of Chukwumerije, Ndigbo have lost a vibrant, fearless, outspoken, dogged and veteran politician, whose views on national issues were highly respected.
The APGA governorship candidate remarked that while in the senate, Chukwumerije advanced the cause of the Igbo nation and stood against the continued marginalization of the people in the country.
He described the late senator as an eminent Nigerian, who believed in a united and indivisible Nigeria founded on the principle of equity, justice and fairness.
