By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has described the death of Chief Ndidi Okereke, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, as a “huge loss”.

Ikpeazu stated this through a press statement his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onyebuchi Ememanka and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Umuahia.

NAN reports that Okereke died in the early hours of Monday in Enugu.

Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Contact and Mobilisation Sub-committee of the 2023 Abia PDP Campaign Council and the Chairman of PDP State Reconciliation Committee.

The governor said that the demise of Okereke was almost unbelievable, as the deceased had been very active in the affairs of government.

Ikpeazu said that the deceased was a first class political leader, administrator and passionate about the development of the state.

He said that the deceased was a man of peace and an advocate of reconciliation, who played key role in stabilising the polity of the state.

According to him, Chief Okereke was an integral part of practically all moves that brought peace and stability to the party and the state.

“He was the Political Leader in Umunneochi LGA and one of the most experienced politicians in the state”.

“Chief Ndidi Okereke was a master in the art of quiet but effective political diplomacy and his death has dealt a major blow to the PDP in the State and overall political development in the State.”

Ikpeazu prayed God to grant the family of the deceased, the people of Umunneochi local government area, PDP and the people of Abia the fortitude to bear the loss.

Similarly, Chief Christopher Enweremadu, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the State, described the death of Okereke as a “monumental loss” to Abia.

Enweremadu said that the deceased would be greatly missed because he left at a crucial moment when his wealth of experience and knowledge were needed as the party prepared for the general elections.

He further described Okereke as a highly committed, dedicated and loyal party man, who made immense contributions to the growth and development of the party.

Okereke is survived by a wife, Victoria and six children. (NAN)

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