Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has expressed regret over the demise of former State Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Sir Sunny Nwakodo, praying God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Gov. Ikpeazu spoke at the burial ceremony conducted at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Umuana-Ndume, Ibeku community in Umuahia North LGA on Wednesday.
The governor said, at 60, the late Sir Nwakodo still had a lot to offer, condoling with the immediate family, Ndume Community, and Abians at large over the death and said when death occurs no one can question God, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka quoted the Governor as saying in a statement.
He urged the children of the deceased and the extended family to remain strong in the Lord, praying that such death should not reoccur while enjoining them not to be afraid as the Lord would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In their separate speeches, the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Okochukwu, the Senator representing Abia Central at the National Assembly, Senator T. A Orji, and the member representing Umuahia East State Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo extolled the sterling qualities of Sir Sunny Nwakodo including the fact that he was a very reliable man, the release added.
“They said that death is inevitable and the living must die one day and condoled with the family and entire Ndume community.
“In his sermon, Venerable Okwukwe Ucheagwu stressed the need for all to seek God and return to him, saying that the time to find God is now.
“In a funeral oration presented by one of his sons, Mr. Justice Nwakodo described their father as a hardworking man who was determined to succeed and affect his society positively. According to him, their late father, who served as the State Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) as well as the Vice National Chairman of (NURTW) was a good man and maintained the reputable name of the family.
“In a vote of thanks, the first son of the family and PDP House of Assembly candidate for the Umuahia East State Constituency, Mr. Kelechi Nwakodo thanked the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and other sympathizers for coming to identify with them at their moment of grief and prayed God to bless them.
“Aged 60 years, Late Sir Chief Sunny Nwakodo was survived by his wife, Mrs. Rose Nwakodo, and four children among other relatives while the event attracted many dignitaries from all walks of life including the former First Lady of Abia State, Chief Mrs Mercy Orji, the PDP Governorship candidate, Professor Uche Ikonne, his running mate, Hon. Okey Igwe and members of the Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organization amongst others.
“The funeral service was presided over by the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia, The Rt Rev Geoffrey Ibeabuchi,” the release concluded.