The Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu and Chairman Proprietors of Private Universities in Nigeria, Prof Gregory Ibe has bemoaned the recent death of the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ikpeazu, Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai, describing the unfortunate incident as a great and irreparable loss to the state.
Reacting to the passage of the popular Abia politician, Prof One asserted that, for the Ohafia born tatician to have remained politically and socially relevant to every administration in the state since inception of the fourth republic in 1999, speaks volumes about his strategic importance and indispensability.
According to Prof Ibe, “Chief Ukpai distinguished himself as a crucial member of the structure that has governed Abia state since 1999, thereby attesting to his unique relevance, strategic importance and emergence as a political maestro of note.
“For instance, I am aware that he was actively involved in the recent Aba North and South House of Representatives bye-election, where his famous mobilisation skills helped our party,the PDP galvanise sufficient grassroots support to emerge victorious
“The stress of that election exercise must have put undue pressure on his health but his dedication and commitment to the affairs of the state had the better of him. That is vintage Ukpai Agwu Ukpai, the man we all know as and fondly call Ogbuagu”.
Prof Ibe therefore commiserated with Governor Ikpeazu, who he said has lost “a faithful friend and dependable political ally”, the leadership and members of Abia state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), praying that God would receive his soul in heaven, while releasing soothing comfort to his widow and members of the larger Ukpai family. In conclusion, Prof Ibe prayed God to grant Abians fortitude to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.
