By Nwabueze Okonkwo

Isuochi—The body of late Senator Uche Chukwumerije was, yesterday, laid in state at Unity Square, Nkwoagu, Isuochi, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, his home town, amidst eulogies.

The body, which arrived the square at about 3p.m., from Enugu, was accompanied by his children, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chief Ben Ndi Obi, chairman of the national burial committee; Prof. Alphonsus Nwosu, among others.

Chukwumerije

First to eulogize him was Senator Ben Obi, who described him as a man of many parts whose legacies were indelible, while the President-General of Isuochi Development Union, George Mgborukwe, said the late senator made many contributions to his kinsmen in particular, Abia State and Nigeria in general.

Others, who eulogized the deceased were Ogbonna Azubuike, his Special Adviser, who noted that his death was the demise of an enigma.

He added that Chukwumerije was known for his honesty, discipline and dedicated to service, while the traditional ruler of Isuochi, Eze G. I. Ezekwesiri, and a member of national burial committee, Dr. Ejike Orji, said he led a battle against third term and fought for the oppressed and voiceless.

His children, including Chika Chukwumerije, said they could not believe that their father was dead now, adding, however, that the way he stamped his feet when it came to matters of national interest was the way he would knock at the gate of heaven and the door would be opened unto him.