It was a roll call of political heavy-weights and party stalwarts, gathering of the titans in Owerri over the weekend as these men of timber and caliber joined the National Deputy Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Hon. Chief (Sir) Ejike Uche to bid a final farewell to his mother in-law, late Ezinne Fracisca Onyemuwa Njoku after a funeral mass at St. Pauls Catholic, Church Douglas road Owerri.
A catalogue of those who thronged the municipal city of Owerri in what seemed to be a carnival or political rally, include members of the National leadership of the United Progressive Party who virtually took a holiday to sympathize with one of their own led by the National Chairman of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie represented by Pastor Banji I. Duru, National Organizing Secretary with the Chairman Board of Trustees, Chief Ama Iwueze and a member of the BOT Chief Emma Ozuzu as well as members of the state executive council of the party.
Others who conspicuously showed presence at the colourful burial of Ezinne Francisca Njoku were Prof. Francis Dike (SAN), the Orluzurumee Peoples Assembly led by the Chairman, Chief Chime Nzeribe, Imozurukwuo delegates led by its Director General Chief Damian Ezeagu while governorship aspirant Mr. Frank Nneji of ABC Transport was also spotted in the crowd of sympathizers. Others include, Prof. Protus Nathan Uzorma, some members of Imo state newspaper publishers.
It was also a day of tribute for the deceased, after a solemn requiem mass officiated by a galaxy of priests with a renowned academic cleric, Revd. Fr. Professor Jerome Okonkwo (Okosisi) as the Chief celebrant.
In his sermon at the mass, the homilist and Parish Priest of St. Pauls Catholic Church, Douglas road, Rev Fr. Cyril Akalonu urged the congregation to be mindful of their lifestyle that one day they will be answerable to their lives on earth serving God in truth and Spirit testifying that the deceased lived a good life worthy of emulation. He prayed that God will welcome her in His kingdom for serving Him while alive.
In a funeral oration on behalf of the family, the Chief mourner, Mr. Austine Njoku noted that their mother was a role model and a good shepherd who loved all her children on equal terms. He described her as a hardworking, humble woman, a lover of education and the fear of God.
In his tribute, the son-inlaw Chief Ejike Uche, a knight of the Catholic Church described her mother in-law as a woman of virtue who spent her life time impacting positively on others, ensuring that they lived in peace and unity.
Sir Uche disclosed that the deceased gave her all in ensuring the welfare of people around her in her community, Church and at her workplace ALVAN Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri where she retired as Matron Catering.
