Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Leader ECOWAS Parliament, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP senatorial candidate for Abia North, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, has expressed shock over the demise of the PDP governorship candidate, Professor Uche Ikonne.
Similarly, the governorship candidate of Action Alliance, AA, Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU), has described Ikonne’s death as unfortunate and saddening.
This is as the Accord Party governorship candidate, Bishop Dr Emeka Nwankpa, who described Ikonne as a worthy brother, said his death was a rude shock to him.
Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Professor Greg Ibe, has announced the immediate suspension of all his political activities as a mark of honour to Ikonne.
Professor Ibe who described the late Ikonne as a fellow governorship flag bearer, university don said his death was a sad news to Ndi-Abia.
Similarly, the governorship candidate of Action Alliance, AA, Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU), described Ikonne’s death as unfortunate and saddening.
Onyekwere told Ikengaonline that Ikonne’s death was a big loss to Abia considering his immense contributions in the education sector.
The AA governorship candidate said Ndi-Abia would miss the former Vice Chancellor dearly.
Reacting, Nwankpa in a statement he personally signed said: “Nothing could be more saddening than the news of the death of Prof Uche Ikonne. He was a worthy brother. Though we were political opponents, we had mutual respect for each other. I needed him alive to join me in building a new Abia State when I become Governor.”
Professor Ibe, in a statement by the Director General of his Campaign Organisation, Dr Longman Nwachukwu, commiserated with Ikonne’s family, Abia State Government and the PDP over the death of the former Vice Chancellor.
He said that Professor Ikonne would be remembered for his numerous contributions to the development of our dear state especially as the Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University Uturu.
“As a mark of honour to the late Ikonne who was a fellow governorship candidate and colleague in the academic profession, Professor Ibe has announced immediate suspension of all his political activities including publication of campaign materials and transmission of radio jingles till further notice,” the statement said.
He prayed God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss and to also grant his soul eternal repose in heaven.
Senator Ohuabunwa said he was still in shock over the news of the death of the PDP governorship flag bearer, describing his death as a big blow to the PDP family.
The former Leader ECOWAS Parliament described Ikonne’s demise as a monumental loss to Abia State and Nigeria in general.
He commiserated with the members of his immediate family, the PDP, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the good people of Isiala Ngwa North.
Senator Ohuabunwa prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He also prayed God to accept the soul of the departed.
Professor Ikonne died Wednesday at the National Hospital Abuja after he was out of circulation for some months.
He was seen last publicly in November 2022.
