The remains of late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, chairman of Senate Committee on Education was yesterday committed to mother earth at his country home, Ngodo-Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia state, amidst roll call of eminent personalities.
Among the distinguished dignitaries in attendance were Second republic Vice president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Senate President, David Mark; his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu; Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh.
Others were Senators Ndoma Egba and Chris Ngige, Governors Willie Obiano of Anambra State and his Imo State counterpart, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Ojukkwu’s son, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu Jnr,former Governors Chukwuemeka Ezeife of Anambra state and Ogbonnaya Onu of Abia state; National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igarinwo; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, among others.
In his sermon at a funeral church service at the Wesley Cathedral, Ngodo-Isuochi, the Prelate of Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Uche said he was happy that the late Chukwumerije mended fences with every body, including those who felt that he offended them, before his death.
Uche noted that Chukwumerije wanted an egalitarian society where peace and justice would reign, adding that his contributions during the civil war and how he single handedly built the Wesley Cathedral church was an eloquent testimony of his positive actions to the society.
Calling for the slashing of Senators’ salaries and allowances to enable the poor masses get jobs, the Prelate thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat, because according to him, if war had broken out, the npoliticians would have fled to oversea countries, while the poor masses suffer the consequences.
He therefore reminded Christians that life is transcient, after which the sould and spirit would stand before God to face judgement.
Governor Willie Obiano and Senator Ben Ndi Obi, chairman of national burial committee, who condoled the bereaved family, appealed to the federal and Southeast governments to put heads together and immortalize the sage, just like Ojukwu Jnr urged Ndigbo to be courageous to move forward, even with the death of his father, Ojukwu and Chukwumerije.
Senate president, Marks said it would be very difficult for the senate not to see him again in their senate chambers. From:Vanguard.