Uche Chukwumerije dies at 75
PDP, Mark, Ekweremadu, others mourn
Former Minister of Information during the June 12 election crisis in 1993, Chief Uche Chukwumerije is dead. He was 75.
The family confirmed this last night. He was a senator from Abia State.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep grief over the death of Chukwumerije.
A statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metu, on behalf of the Chairman and National Executive Committee of the party, mourned Chukwumerije’s passing and described the late senator as a patriotic Nigerian.
“We are indeed deeply saddened by the loss of this great Nigerian, a highly respected statesman, who has made immense contribu contributions to the development of our dear nation.
“Senator Chukwumerije was a patriotic Nigerian and a brilliant lawmaker who gave his all and discharged his responsibilities with unequaled forthrightness, loyalty and commitment to the service of our dear fatherland,’’ Metu said.
Also Senate President, David Mark, has expressed shock over Chukwumerije’s death, saying: “He radiated intelligence and exemplary conduct in both public and private life. He was a team player who brought meaning to hard work . He was focused and determined to make positive difference.”
Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, while reacting to the passing on of Chukwumerije, who died in Abuja yesterday, described him as a fearless politician, who fought for the interest of the common man and his people, a patriot who gave his best towards the peace, unity and development of Nigeria.”
In a separate statement, Senate spokesperson, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, expressed sadness over the death of the senator.
Abaribe described the lawmaker, who until his death was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Education as ‘‘a political giant and one of the nation’s finest legislators.’’
Abaribe said the lawmaker, who represented Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State in the current Senate, easily passed as a repository of legislative tradition and practice.
Chukwumerije, a former minister of Information, was elected a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in April 2003 to represent Abia North Senatorial District on the platform of the PDP.
When he fell out of favour with the party’s leadership, Chukwumerije decamped to the Progressive Peoples Alliance on the platform of which he was reelected to the Senate on April 28, 2007.
A statement signed on behalf of the family by one of his children, Che Chidi Chukwumerije said: “On the evening of Sunday, the 19th of April, 2015, surrounded by his family, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije passed into the open arms of history, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, after a long but gallant battle with lung cancer.
‘‘His life is many volumes, which can only be told with care and time, of dedication and focus, integrity and discipline, and an unbroken love for the highest ideals of our shared humanity.
‘‘Details of burial arrangements will be announced in due course. We ask only for your prayers and good wishes.”
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7 Comments
Adieu. Say hi to Abacha and ask for forgiveness from MKO.
I am appealing to the sensibilities of our fellow country men especially Yoruba, to at least for once say something good about Ndigbo, well over 90% of Igbos voted in block to the late MKO Abiola for his victory at the pools. The success Abiola recorded then was not only from Yoruba, his kindred but cuts across ethnic regligion and tribe.
The Yoruba, if clearly they have conscience, it will forever hunt them if they refuses to pay back to Ndigbo all the support so far extended to them politically.
Chief Uche Chukwumereije, was an illustrious son of Ndigbo, and he did what he did when MKO Abiola boasted that he can do without Ndigbo, not minding of the forces that still hovers on the pending election results.
If you can lay hold on Chief Chukwumereije to the jouglar, on the cancellation of the result of the presidential elections of June 1993, what will you now do to OBJ, the matriach of the Awolowo desnasty, many prominent royal fathers in yoruba land, Abimbola Davies that sworn to and obtained an interlocutory injunction perpetually restraining the release of the elections?
You guys must not think you are wise, by standing truths on its head. because most times that wiseness sooner than later turns to foolishness. Lets watch it.
Adeiu our Great Son. We mourn you this day. You are a proud son of Ndigbo – Nwoke eji aga mba. Nwaka Ibe ya, Ogbu Agu Nke mbu Ndigbo, Onye ahala Nwanne Ya nke mbu. Jee N’udo, ya dikwara gi Nma.
Ka Onye nwe anyi nabata nkpuru obi n’udo. Amen!
History and posterity are immune from sentiments either biased or objective. According to the quote from Julius Ceasar : I have come to bury Caesar but not to praise him,the evil that men do; lives after them. Abimbola Davies, OBJ,IBB,mark and other collaborators will have their day. Even in death, MKO was greater than any of them. Remember, Hitler was an illustrious son of a place in Germany and gave justification for the satanic acts against humanity. Adieu your Great Son. Ka Onye nwe anyi nabata nkpuru obi n’udo. ????????
Here is something good, you shameless liar. I am old enough to remember his despicable role as Babangida’s Information Minister during June 12, 1993. He has no care for justice, democracy or rule of law. Money and position were his God. He was there when IBB and Abacha were murdering innocent Nigerians, spitting lies. If you like him , you will like Fani Kayode, Doyin Okupe and Wada Nas. It is given unto man to die once and receive judgment.
You are such a very stupid idiot, yes I can see you a “saint” displaying your indepth foolishness. Your tribe thrives in mocking the dead, even when it is natural that all wise men gives honour to those who has departed to the great beyond. But not so to your one sided bare-faced and hypocrite tribe.
Was it a lie that your prominent obas were in Abuja to discuss with Babangida on June 12 elections results and they supported Babangida’s decision? Did I lie saying OBJ has a hand in the cancellation of the result? Is it not a statement of fact that the Matriach of Awolowo’s dynasty had a conversation with Babagida and influenced further on the sad end of June 12 result and installing MKO the President? Did it not occur to you that Abimbola Davies who sworn a court affidavit stopping the release of the presidential election result is a yoruba man? Bushman, if you don’t know these facts, then you were a baby during that era, ok? Go get a lull from your Mummy. Greenhorn boy.
Now, “mr. truth” FFK, Doyin Okupe, Abati etc are they not yoruba like you? The point is that most of you can sell your conscience for a fadden. You can’t be a good yoruba let alone being a good Nigerian, you can quote me!
The Ndigbo culture does not permit us to speak against the memory of the dead, because he cannot defend himself.
However, your tribe can role out drums, tamborines, trumpets and others in celebration of the passage of Our Illustrious Son – Ogbu Agu Nke mbu Ndigbo Chief Uche Chukwumereije. And I tell you what? It will further exalt him more even in death.
A great patriot is gone, his soul rest in peace
Rest In Perfect Peace my role model.
We will review and take appropriate action.