Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday said the former Acting Governor of the state, late Prince Sam Obi, positively impacted the state through the various offices he occupied throughout his political career.

Okowa stated this during his condolence visit to the family of the late Obi at Ute-Okpu in Ika North East Local Government Area.

He was accompanied on the visit by some top government functionaries, including the member representing Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Victor Nwokolo.

He told the head of the Obi family and traditional ruler of Ute-Okpu, Obi Solomon Chukwuka II that he was at the palace to condole him and the family over the demise of their deceased brother and son.

"We have come here to condole you because of what happened. Apparently, we are all affected, but we know that you are affected the most because our departed brother and friend is your son and a very prominent member of your community

"He was a friend; he was a political associate and he had played a big role in the political governance of our local government and the state through his journey in the state's House of Assembly where he rose to the position of Speaker and as God would have it, he was also Acting Governor for 60 days," the governor said.

He said that he was aware that since the deceased left office, he remained active in politics and continued to be a friend to many persons across the state.

He added that late Obi also contributed his quota in the continued development of Delta and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

"We cannot question God but we still know that we expected him to live longer but God took him at the time that it soothed Him.

"I know that to a lot of people, his death was a big surprise, and so we have come as a government and also as your children to condole you and to ask that God will give you the enablement to bear the loss.

"We want to, through you, pass our condolences to the people of your kingdom because Sam Obi was a prince of this kingdom.

"We know that it is a very difficult period for you but because we know you believe in God and we cannot question Him, and also because we know He has the ability to fill the gap that has been left behind, we are consoled.

"Since it has pleased God to take him at this time, He is also able to fill the gap in this home and this community, so we pray that God will send His angels to soothe your pains in the family and Ute Okpu community.

"We will continue to miss him as a friend and as a leader and you are also aware that he was also fully committed to evangelism for the purpose of winning souls for Christ," Okowa said.

Responding on behalf of the family, Dr Samuel Idiaghe, thanked the governor and his entourage for the visit.

He described the deceased as an illustrious son of Ute-Okpu, a patriot, evangelist and political leader who got to the pinnacle of his political career through firm commitment and dedication to the service of humanity.

Idiaghe noted that the visit clearly shown that the governor had the interest of Ute-Okpu kingdom at heart, and commended him for all his achievements across the state.

•PHOTO: Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (left), addressing His Royal Majesty, Obi Solomon Chukwuka II, the Obi of Ote-Okpu Kingdom (right) during his condolence visit to the monarch over the death of his brother, His Excellency, Prince Sam Obi. Thursday. PIX: JIBUNOR SAMUEL.

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