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.”
