By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

ABUJA – SENATE President,Bukola Saraki, and the Deputy Senate President,Ike Eweremadu, Monday,expressed deep shock and disbelief over Sunday’s demise of Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, James Ocholi, his wife and eldest son in a road mishap along the Abuja – Kaduna Road.

Saraki also condemned the murder of an All Progressives Congress ,APC, chieftain, Mr. Franklin Obi, his wife and 18-year old son in Rivers State.

The late minister, Chief James Ocholi (left) and wife

The Senate President, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja, described the tragic death of such a “promising Nigerian” like the late Minister as a colossal loss to the present administration in particular and the country at large.

He condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the Federal Executive Council,FEC, the Governor and people of Kogi State, leaders and people of North Central zone and the immediate family of the deceased over the unfortunate incident.

Saraki said: “I still recall when the late Ocholi appeared before the Senate to be screened and confirmed as Minister a few months ago. He was not only full of life, he came across to me as a man of great ideas and accomplishments.

“He was very articulate and brilliant in his presentation and gave good account of himself as Senior Advocate of repute, who given the chance to discharge the duty assigned to him, would have contributed immensely in turning around the story of unemployment in this country.

“His death and that of his wife and eldest son, is a colossal loss to me, his immediate family, the people and government of Kogi State, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress,APC and the entire country”, he stated.

He prayed God to grant the souls of the deceased enternal rest, while he urged Nigerians especially his immediate family to be comforted by the fact that Ocholi breathed his last while on acting service for his father land.

Meanwhile, Saraki has called on security agencies to unravel the masterminds of the dastardly killing of Rivers APC Chieftain, Franklin Obi and members of his immediate family.

Saraki described the avoidable bloodletting as callous and called on security agencies to ensure adequate protection of lives and property across the country to prevent repeat occurrence.

On his part, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu,expressed sadness and shock over the death of the minister.

In a condolence message to President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Ekweremadu described late Ocholi as a seasoned professional colleague and consummate public officer.

He said the “incident, which bleeds the heart, is not only a grievous loss to the Ocholi family, Mr. President, and the All Progressives Congress ,APC, but also to the nation in its entirety”.

He added: “I note in particular Barr. Ocholi’s splendid performance when he appeared before the Senate for confirmation as Minister a few months ago. Senators, across party divides, were unanimous in their agreement that he would be one of the standard bearers of your administration”.

“I therefore send my heartfelt condolences to Mr. President, the APC, the Government and good people of Kogi State, and his immediate family. I pray God to grant their souls peaceful repose and to all of us the inner strength to bear the irreparable loss”.