It is difficult to express one’s innermost feelings on the passage unto glory of the enigma and nationalist per excellence, Senator (Comrade) Uche Chukwumerije.  It is even harder to attempt to express an opinion in a single narrative.  As much as one tries, there will always be something missing in the story line.

He was an economist, educationist and Journalist of note. Chukwumerije left no one in doubt about his beliefs and where he stood on any issue concerning the nation and its people no matter how complicated. He stood firmly to be counted especially when it concerned the security and welfare of the Nigerian people. His unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood was unparalleled.

He was Chairman, Senate Committee on Education and a member of Committees on Drugs, Narcotics & Financial Crimes, Federal Character & Governmental Affairs as well as Power. As is typical of all he did, in these committees, Chukwumerije radiated intelligence and exemplary conduct.

During the last ASUU strike, he, more than any other person was very committed to resolving the impasse. He was a team player who brought meaning to hard work. He was very passionate about raising the standard of education in the country. Senator Chukwumerije set up an informal ‘Think Tank’ committee comprising some Senators to examine the merits and demerits of every Bill before the Senate. Senator Chukwumerije was an excellent parliamentarian.

He was an unrepentant soldier and defender of the ‘talakawa’ who was ever determined to make positive difference. He was one of the brightest and fertile minds in the Senate.

He was a shining light and a pathfinder. His contributions to debates were always scintillating and reverberating.

I recall my contest for Senate Presidency in 2007; Senator Chukwumerije had been re-elected as Senator on the platform of Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA). In the previous Senate, we were both elected as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators but we held divergent views on some national issues.

Chukwumerije was the first opposition Senator as it was then along with Senator Olorunmibe Mamora to openly endorse my candidature. I was deeply touched.

He remained an authentic comrade who had been consistent in all he did. He never wore any other dress, “white safari suit was his trade mark”. He was steadfast and resolute to the end. When I visited him on his sick bed, he said to me; “My President, I will not die”.

Though he was physically weak, his mental alertness was never diminished. That showed his strong will to live. But who is man in deciding when the time is up? God has the final say.

Chukwumerije was a very courageous Senator in this hallowed chamber. Those of us that have been here long enough will know that for nominees coming to be screened by the Senate, ‘the fear of Senator Chukwumerije was the beginning of wisdom’. You will recall the Senate screening of a Ministerial nominee who claimed to be an Engineer but could not substantiate his claim. Senator Chukwumerije queried him thus:

Chukwumerije: Mr. nominee did you say you’re an engineer?

Nominee:  Silence

Chukwumerije:  Are you a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers?

Nominee: Silence

Chukwumerije: Are you registered with the Council for the Registration of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN).

Nominee:  Silence

Chukwumerije: Mr. nominee, any man who claims to be what he is not, what is he?

At that point the nominee fainted and that was the end of the screening. That was vintage Chukwumerije – blunt, frank and fearless.

In Chukwumerije, a great ‘Iroko’ has fallen.  He has left a huge vacuum that would be too difficult to fill.  He was a consummate and passionate Nigerian who worked for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

We shall miss his cerebral, erudite and scholarly prowess on the floor of the Senate.

In all he did, he pursued the course for the adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights. He proved himself a national hero and a worthy son of Africa.

No doubt, Chukwumerije was an intellectual of very high standing and a parliamentarian per excellence who contributed immensely to the making and successes of the 5th, 6th and 7th Senates.

He was a man who will not genuflect to dishonest political posturing and grandstanding. He was resolute and in all his actions, dignity, integrity and principle remained the guiding beacons.

Surely, he was an extra-ordinary patriot who left a positive legacy that the family, Abia State and the nation can always be proud of.

We will miss his fruitful and positive contributions.  May his soul rest in the bosom of our Lord.

Adieu – the great Comrade!