Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2023 polls, the Prelate of Anglican Communion, Arch Bishop Dr Henry Ndukuba, has warned politicians to be cautious of their actions and utterances to avoid plunging Nigeria into crisis.
The cleric who was preaching at the funeral service of the wife of the former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, at Ohambele Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, said that “Nigeria is at the crossroad of either progress or disintegration.”
Arch Bishop Ndukuba warned that Nigeria might implode depending on how the political class go about political activities in the forthcoming general election.
Expressing concern over the plights of Nigerian masses, the cleric advised the political class to give hope to the hopeless and lead the people into the promised land.
He urged the Nigerian masses who are eligible to vote but do not yet have their voter’s card to acquire it ahead of the 2023 elections to enable them actively participate in the political process.
Arch Bishop Ndukuba who said that death was a common destiny encouraged Wabara not to lose hope over the death of his wife.
In a remark at the funeral, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu condoled with the bereaved family over the demise of the late Mrs Wabara.
He described the deceased as a virtuous woman, and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Similarly, Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, represented by his Deputy, Professor Placid Njoku, described the late Mrs Wabara as a rare gem, and prayed God to comfort the family.
Responding, Wabara said the death of his wife was a big loss to him, but added he was sure she was in a place of comfort.
He thanked all those who came to identify with the family in their moment of grief.
The Secretary , Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, particularly thanked Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, for “his invaluable support that made the burial successful.”
Wabara also thanked his in-laws from Essan, Edo State, for allowing him to bury his wife in his home contrary to their age-long tradition.
Meanwhile, it was a gathering of who is who in Abia politics as politicians from different parties gathered to pay their last respect to the departed.
Some of the dignitaries at the event were the wife of Rivers State Governor represented by the PDP Chairman in the state; Abia Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; and former PDP Chairman Abia State, Senator Emma Nwaka.
Others were former Nigeria Ambassador to Argentina, Ambassador Empire Kanu; governorship candidate of Labour Party, Dr Alex Otti; Deputy governorship candidate of Young Progressive Party, YPP, Chima Anyaso; PDP Chairman, Abia State, Dr Asiforo Okere, among others.
Many people from all walks of life defied the rain to attend the funeral.