Mark, Shekarau Mourn Chukwumerije

Nigeria’s Senate President, David Mark, has expressed disbelief at the death of one of his colleagues and former Minister of Information, Senator Uche Chukwumerije.

Speaking through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Paul Mumeh, the senate president said Nigeria lost an erudite and extra ordinary nationalist.

The senate president noted that Chukwumerije was one of the outstanding senators in the National Assembly.

“He radiated intelligence, exemplary conduct in both public and private life. He was a team player who brought meaning to hard work.

“He was a shining light and a pathfinder, who was focused and determined to make positive difference.

“He was also a consummate and passionate Nigerian who believed in the sanctity of the peace and unity of the nation.

“No doubt he left a vacuum that would be too hard to fill; we shall miss him,” the statement quoted Mark as saying.

In a similar vein, the Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has described the death of Sen. Uche Chukwumerije as a `big blow’ to the education sector.

The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education. He died on Sunday at the age of 75 after a long battle with lung cancer.

Shekarau’s condolence message, which was conveyed through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Nnamdi Olebara, was made available to the newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

According to the minister, Chukwumerije’s death is also a big loss to Nigeria’s democracy.

He described the late senator as a pragmatic and forthright politician who was highly cerebral and unrepentantly patriotic with a clear and straight stance on every issue.

“His contributions to the reforms in the education sector are tremendous and priceless; he was an esteemed team player who has left the education sector better than he met it.

“We in the education sector commiserate with his family and pray God Almighty to grant his gentle soul eternal rest; solace to his family and loved ones and bless Nigeria with more Uche Chukwumerijes,’’ he said.