The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), chairman, Sir Johnson Onuigbo.
Ikpeazu, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, noted that the late party stalwart was a ‘close friend and long standing political associate’, describing his demise as a major setback in the political development of the state.
The governor further went down memory lane, detailing his relationship with the late chairman, especially the spectacular role he played for the party’s victory in the 2019 general elections. Also stating that he portrayed hard work and passion in his administration of the ruling party in the state.
The statement partly read, “Chief Onuigbo had a peculiar pattern of administration which was a direct consequence of the warm personal relationships he built over the years with a cross section of the Abia populace and which ultimately rubbed off on how he ran the party producing solid victories and stability within the party.
“In all areas where he was privileged to serve our people, from the Chairmanship of Umuahia North LGA to the Abia Central Zonal Chairmanship and as State Chairman of our party, Chief Onuigbo exhibited uncommon passion and dedication.
“My family and I, join the teeming members of our party and indeed the entire state to mourn the passage of this great man and iconic politician, and to pray the good Lord to grant his wife, family and the people of Ibeku Kingdom the fortitude to bear this very painful loss”.
He further described him as a man of principle and integrity who insisted that internal democracy must be institutionalized in the party.
“Abia State has lost one of her most outstanding and most committed political leaders. Akinboard will be sorely missed”, the statement concluded.
