The former Governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, have condoled with the Catholic community and the people of Ebonyi State over the demise of His Lordship, Most Reverend Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, who died at the age of 60.

In their separate condolence messages obtained by The Guardian in Abakaliki on Sunday, both leaders described the passing of Bishop Chukwu as a colossal loss, not only to the Catholic faithful but also to Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large. They noted that the late cleric would be remembered for his deep spiritual devotion and selfless service to humanity.

They prayed that Almighty God, whom he served faithfully, would grant his soul eternal rest and give the Church, as well as all who mourn him, the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Umahi said:

“I received with profound grief and a heavy heart the news of the passing of Most Reverend Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, the revered Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.

“The departure of Bishop Chukwu marks the end of an era characterised by selfless service, deep spirituality, and uncommon dedication to the work of God. He was not only a spiritual father to his flock but also a moral compass to society—an embodiment of discipline and sacrificial leadership.

“As a teacher of the Word and a shepherd of souls, Most Rev. Dr. Chukwu distinguished himself through his calm wisdom, pastoral care, and ability to reach both the high and the low with equal compassion.

“At a time when moral clarity and spiritual guidance are most needed in our society, his passing leaves a significant void. Yet, even in death, his legacy remains a guiding light, etched in the lives he touched, the faith he strengthened, and the enduring impact of his ministry across Ebonyi State and beyond.

“On behalf of my family and the Federal Ministry of Works, I extend my deepest condolences to the Catholic faithful, the clergy and religious of the Diocese of Abakaliki, and the immediate and extended family of the late Bishop. I also commiserate with all who were privileged to encounter his remarkable life and ministry.”

In his own message, the Deputy Chief Whip and Senator representing Ebonyi North, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the Bishop on April 10, 2026.

According to Nwebonyi, Bishop Chukwu was not only a devoted priest of God but also a moral compass, a selfless servant of humanity, an erudite scholar, and an uncommon reformer. He added that the late Bishop’s tenure as the Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki ushered in discipline, moral rectitude, purposeful leadership, and unwavering principles.

His message read: “My Lord Bishop, although your time with us was brief, like a candle in the wind, the memories we shared remain indelible. When I requested that you identify the most vulnerable parishioner across the four local government areas in Ebonyi North for my empowerment programme, you thoughtfully selected a virtuous blind woman of faith from Nkumoro in the Mbeke Ishieke community, Ebonyi LGA. You also graciously inaugurated the modest, fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow I built for her.

“Our encounters were always marked by pastoral care, brotherliness, and compassion. Your words of encouragement—especially during the commissioning of one of my constituency projects—continue to resonate deeply with me.

“It is indeed difficult to pen this condolence message, but we take solace in the will of God. We will continue to cherish and uphold your unblemished legacy of service and pastoral dedication, drawing strength from the biblical assurance of resurrection and eternal life.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ebonyi North Senatorial District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to your immediate family, the Ebonyi Christian community, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki on this profound loss.”