Politics
THERE was a mild drama in Agu Nru Nsukka, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday, September 4, during the burial of late Senator Fidelis Okoro, as Rev. Fr. Evaristus Isife, Parish Priest of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Nru, Nsukka, shun the burial mass. The mass was officiated by the catechist of the parish.
The parish priest, after watching the catechist struggle-through the requiem mass which was attended by dignitaries, only handled the microphone when the mass has ended to inform the congregation that the “State of the late Senator was enough homily for everyone”.
Worried by the development, Senator Chuka Utazi, senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, told the congregation that it was not within the powers of the living to judge the dead. The Senator, who took the posture of a man of God during the outburst, alluded to the two thieves who repented at the point of the crucifixion with Jesus Christ, saying it was not within the powers of the living to judge the dead.
In a tribute, Senator Utazi described Okoro as a grassroots politician who helped the district in various ways. “During his time Okoro used his position to put many people from the district to positions of authority in the country. The death of Okoro has robbed the district of a grassroots and honest politician. It’s unfortunate that few people who did not benefit from him tried to label him as a bad politician,” he said.
Utazi said Okoro would be remembered as a man of integrity whose yes remained yes no matter whose ox was gored. “Okoro was not the type that will say yes in your absence and in your presence he will say no. Many dislike him because he was a man of integrity and honour, he disliked talking against you in your absence, he would tell you everything to your face.”
The Senator expressed appreciation to the dignitaries within the state and outside for finding time to attend the burial, which also showed that Okoro related well with Nigerians when he was alive.
On his part, Pat Asadu, representing Nsukka/Igboeze-South in the House of Representatives, said the late Senator Okoro was a good grassroots politician, noting that it was Okoro that encouraged him to join politics. “In 1999, he came to my clinic and encouraged me to join politics, and that was how I joined politics and today I am a ranking national legislator.
“Possibly, without that encouragement and advice from Okoro, I may still be in my clinic as a medical doctor. The way I benefited from him is how other people benefited from him,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Fidelis Okoro (Junior), expressed gratitude to Nsukka LGA, Enugu state and the entire country for identifying with the family during its moment of pain and grief. He said he was overwhelmed by the number of dignitaries from Enugu state and outside the state who attended the burial and urged Almighty God to grant everybody journey mercy to their destinations.
Senator Ken Nnamani, a former Senate President, Sen. Jim Nwobodo, former governor of old Anambra State, Sen. Ike Ekeremadu, representing Enugu West senatorial district, Justice C.C. Nweze of the Supreme Court, were among dignitaries present during the burial.
Senator Okoro, who died on May 17 in Abuja, was a highly controversial figure and remained controversial even unto death.
– Sept. 10, 2020 @ 15:35 GMT |
Tags: Clergies shun Senator Okoro’s burial mass
