The Federal Government has expressed deep grief and condoled with the family of Senator Uche Chukwumerije over his death on Sunday, April 19, 2015.
The late Senator Chukwumerije who was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, gave up at the age of 75 after battling with cancer of the lungs in Abuja.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, President Goodluck Jonathan stated that Chukwumerije who represented Abia North, was a strong proponent of national unity, peace, political stability and progress.
While showering accolades on the deceased, President Jonathan further noted that Chukwumerije exhibited various traits such as discipline, honesty, integrity and hard work in public service.
Part of the statement released on Monday, April 20, 2015 said, “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.”
In the same vein, the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari observed that the senator’s death came as a rude shock to the entire nation and Africa at large.
Speaking via the All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign, Buhari said, “As a man of my own generation, I observed the progressive political activities of Uche Chukwumerije and admired the Pan- African interests and national patriotic zeal which dominated and dictated major part of his actions and pursuits.
“Senator Chukwumerije has played an exceptional role in the business of legislation in the country and we will all dearly miss him as an outstanding politician and an elder statesman.
“I sincerely condole with his family and friends, especially his constituents in Abia North senatorial district, the people of Abia State and members of the National Assembly.”
Additionally, former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar expressed his grief through a press statement signed by his media officer.
He said, “Senator Chukwumerije was in the class of those gentlemen you cannot but notice his outstanding qualities even when he stood in the midst of other men. His mannerism came across as someone who was well cultured.
“He was very sartorial in style and in presentation; and he never confused you about the disciplined background of his origin. He was a very worthy ambassador of his people.
“As a politician, he was very classy and as a statesman he was exceptional. His death came as a rude shock and I do sincerely pray that God grants his family, the people of Abia State, friends and colleagues at the National Assembly the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Equally, the Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, described Chukwumerije’s demise as a `big blow’ to the education sector.
He made this disclosure via his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Nnamdi Olebara.
Shekarau said, “His contributions to the reforms in the education sector are tremendous and priceless; he was an esteemed team player who has left the education sector better than he met it.
“We in the education sector commiserate with his family and pray God Almighty to grant his gentle soul eternal rest; solace to his family and loved ones and bless Nigeria with more Uche Chukwumerijes.’’
