The Senate President, David Mark, has expressed shock over the death of Sen. Uche Chukwumerije.
Chukwumerije, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, died on Sunday at the age of 75 after a long battle with lung cancer.
Mark in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Paul Mumeh, said Nigeria lost an erudite and extra ordinary nationalist.
He noted that Chukwumerije was one of the outstanding senators in the National Assembly.
“He radiated intelligence, exemplary conduct in both public and private life. He was a team player who brought meaning to hard work.
“He was a shining light and a pathfinder, who was focused and determined to make positive difference.
“He was also a consummate and passionate Nigerian who believed in the sanctity of the peace and unity of the nation.
“No doubt he left a vacuum that would be too hard to fill; we shall miss him,’’ the statement quoted Mark as saying.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has described the death of Sen. Uche Chukwumerije as a `big blow’ to the education sector.
Shekarau’s condolence message, which was conveyed through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Nnamdi Olebara, said that Chukwumerije’s death is also a big loss to Nigeria’s democracy.
He described the late senator as a pragmatic and forthright politician who was highly cerebral and unrepentantly patriotic with a clear and straight stance on every issue.
“His contributions to the reforms in the education sector are tremendous and priceless; he was an esteemed team player who has left the education sector better than he met it.
“We in the education sector commiserate with his family and pray God Almighty to grant his gentle soul eternal rest; solace to his family and loved ones and bless Nigeria with more Uche Chukwumerijes,’’ he said.
