Wike, Uduaghan, judges, others pay tributes to late Pa Okowa

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Monday, described the deceased father of Delta State Governor, the late Pa Arthur Okowa, as a man of great substance who left a marvellous legacy.

Wike stated this when he led a delegation from Rivers on a condolence visit to Gov. Okowa at the Government House, Asaba.

He said that he was in Delta to commiserate with the Okowa family, the government and people of Delta over the loss of the patriarch of the Okowa family and the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Tim Owhefere.

He stated that Gov. Okowa remained a great friend and colleague he had utmost respect for and as such, must identify with him on the loss of his dear father.

On behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, we are here to condole with you on the death of your father and the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly.

Responding, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa thanked Wike and his delegation for the visit, saying his family was encouraged by the visit of several friends and well-wishers, including the Rivers Governor, adding that his father was a father to many.

SIMILARLY, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and wife, Roli, also visited Okowa at the Government House, Asaba.

Uduaghan said the late Pa Okowa had been a father to him and many people for many years and enjoined Governor Okowa and his family members to see the passing of their patriarch as one tough time that must pass.

“Pa Okowa was not just a father of PDP but was first a father of GDM for those of us who know his history far back.

“He had been our father for quite some time. Age-wise, we wouldn’t say he didn’t live long enough. He lived for 88 years and that is quite remarkable in these times where you talk to someone last week and he is gone this week.

But no matter how old he was, his death is still painful and we cannot question God because God cannot keep him forever,” he said.

Service Commanders of Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigeria Air Force from Warri, Air Commodore Augustine Vunombagai, Commander 371 Nigerian Air Force Detachment, Warri; Commodore Semiu Adepegba, NNS DELTA and Colonel Sani Ahmed, Commander, Sector One, Operation Delta Safe also visited the governor in Asaba

Vunombagai, who spoke on behalf of the commanders, said they were in Asaba to condole with Governor Okowa and his family on the death of his father.

MEANWHILE, Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshall Umukoro, also led a delegation of judges to condole with the governor and his family.

Umukoro said: “We are here as your brothers, your friends but more importantly, as a body of judges constituting the third tier of government in the state. Your father led a distinguished life and the name Okowa is a great brand, which must be protected.”

He assured that the judiciary would show a strong presence during the funeral activities of the late Pa Okowa.

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro and Senator James Manager were among top government functionaries on hand to receive the visitors.