The death of Senator Ayogu Eze is one too many, especially when his wealth of experience would have provided some succour to Nigeria’s nagging political challenges.
Chief James Ugwu, Secretary, South-East zone of the Peoples Democratic Party, stated this on Saturday in a press statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Enugu.
Our correspondent recalls that Chief Ugwu was the Director General of Ayogu Eze Campaign Organization that championed the senatorial re-election of Senator Eze. Former Gov Sullivan Chime, Senator Ayogu Eze and the then state Chairman of PDP, Engr Vitalis Abba, jointly handed the task of delivering Eze and PDP in the 2011 General Election to Chief James Ugwu when tension became very high and chances of PDP winning in Enugu North zone were slim and being submerged by fierce opposition.
According to Chief Ugwu, Senator Eze’s death came to him with rude shock, adding that Enugu State has lost “a rare gem”.
Quoting him, “Senator Eze was a complete gentleman, a journalist par excellence, communicator of a repute and a thorough-bred administrator who would never be unnoticed because of his grasp of contemporary issues, critical mind, listening abilities and vast knowledge. As a senator, Ayogu Eze was the man in the arena, explaining every atom of Senate proceedings with clarity and firmness.”
Chief Ugwu said the people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone would miss him considering his contributions towards the development of the zone during his era at the Senate. He said, “Senator Eze was able to attract many developmental projects during his time, including the Voice FM Nsukka. He also provided many federal jobs to our youths. Our prayers are for a peaceful repose of his soul.”
Chief Ugwu, former council chairman of Isi-Uzo and Udenu LGAs, enjoined the bereaved family of Senator Ayogu Eze to take solace in the fact that the deceased lawmaker lived an exemplary life.
Our correspondent reports that Senator Eze, former Information Commissioner, Enugu State, died at the age of 65 at an Abuja hospital after a protracted battle with an undisclosed illness. He represented Enugu North Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly from 2007 to 2015.
Until his death, he was the member representing Enugu State on the board of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. He was once the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity as well as Works.