Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has lauded the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu for his show of friendship and brotherhood at a time his (Governor Wike’s) family is grieving over the loss of their uncle.
He spoke on Tuesday during a Condolence Visit by the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu at the Government House Port Harcourt over the passage of his uncle, Late Chief Charles Wike.
He said: “To say that what you have done today shows friendship and brotherhood. That what affects us , affects you. I will never forget this and I will continue to reciprocate.”
Governor Wike noted that the condolence visit by the Abia State Governor has strengthened and encouraged the family to bear the irreparable loss.
He said: “Having died, we believe that he has gone to be with his creator. With your coming, we are strengthened to continue with life and his own principles.
“The way he lived and kept our community is very key. I thank you on behalf of my family for coming to commiserate with us at this point.”
While thanking the Abia State Governor for the visit, Governor Wike noted that his uncle played very positive roles in the development of his community.
“My uncle was the immediate younger brother to my father. He was the Traditional Ruler of my community.
“He was the one most of us relied on for the history of our area. We know that one day, there will be an end to life . Nobody will live forever. But we didn’t expect him to go at this time.
“For those of us who are Christians, what has happened has happened. What is important is that you go to meet your creator. Most of us relied on my uncle in terms of education. He was a historian. He did his own best, but as it pleased God this happened. There is nothing anyone can do,” he said.
In his remarks, Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu said that he was at the Government House Port Harcourt to commiserate with Governor Wike over the passage of his uncle.
He said: “I have brought warm felicitation and greetings from the good people of Abia State. On behalf of the people of Abia State, we have come this morning to commiserate with our brother and friend, who lost a very close person to him.
“It is traditional and cultural for our people to reach out to one of our own whenever events like this occur.”
He said that the Late Uncle of Governor Wike lived a good and has gone to be with his creator.
“It happens . He lived a good life and he has gone the way of his forefathers. When it happens like this, it brings a lot of pain to us, but it is harvest time for God.
“In the first place, God gave him to us. Now that he is no more, we are confident that he has gone to be with his maker. I ask his household to bear the loss with fortitude and pray that God will grant the immediate family and friends, the energy to fill this vacuum,” he said.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
11th February, 2020.
