Igbawua mourns Utoo, Prof Orkaa, says they were patriots
By Tyowase Aondover
Immediate past Chief Commissioner of Public Complaints Commission and Governorship aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state in the 2023 elections, Honorable Chille Igbawua has expressed shock and sadness over the demise of two great sons of Tiv nation in very quick secession, late Engineer Samuel Utoo and late Professor Joseph Targema Orkaa.
Late Utoo died on December 29, 2024, while Professor Orkaa died January 4,2025.
Honourable Igbawua who was Deputy Director, Elections Management (North) of the defunct 2023 Atiku Abubakar Presidential campaign and currently a member of the Disciplinary committee of People’s Democratic party described the deaths as tragic, devastating, heartbreaking and major loss to the Tiv nation, Benue state and Nigeria in general.
In a condolence message , Honourable Igbawua a former member of the House of Representatives said the demise represented peace, unity and development of there various communities and were always concerned about the prospects of the state.
According to him their absence will create a vacuum in community leadership, cultural norms and patriotism that defies political party affiliations, social status and religious inclinations .
He recalled his robust engagements with the duo during the build up to the 2023 general elections ” and I can attest to their individual sense of patriotism , desire for good leadership and upliftment of the down trodden.
” It is sad that we mourn this two great sons of Benue state at a time there fatherly advices are needed the most.
“Both Engineer Utoo and Professor Orkaa have contributed immensely to humanity and mankind . Today God has deemed it fit to call them and, on behalf of myself ,family and associates I most sincerely condole with the immediate families of the deceased ,the Tiv nation and the Government and entire people of Benue state over these sad developments “.
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Earlier Special Assistant to late professor Orkar ,Honourable Paul Hembe had broken the sad news.
According to him, “With a heart full of grief but total submission to the will of God, I regret to announce the passage unto glory of the patriarch of the Orkar (the other name, Orkar father) family, Professor Kpamor Joseph Targema ORKAR whose sad event occured yesterday evening at a private hospital in Abuja.
“Kindly pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and be with us in prayer at this trying time.
“Other relevant information about the funeral shall be communicated in due course”.
