The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has condoled with the family of the deceased governorship candidate of the People Democratic Party, Prof. Uche Ikonne.
In a statement signed by the governor on Wednesday, Ikpeazu directed that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half-mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January 2023 to honour the late Abia PDP flagbearer.
The statement read, “It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
“While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together”.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance has expressed shock at the news of the death of Ikonne.
In a press statement personally signed by the National Chairman of the party, Ozonkpu Dr. Victor Ike Oye, and released in Abuja on Wednesday, the party Ikoone’s death was not only a “loss to Abia State but to the entire country having contributed immeasurably to the training of many professionals as vice-chancellor”.
The APGA chairman advised other political parties not to politicise the death but to view it with sympathy and love.
He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal happiness in heaven and the Ikonne family the fortitude to bear the grievous loss.
