By Jeff Agbodo

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has described the passing of the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Chukwu, as shocking.

Nwifuru said that Bishop Chukwu distinguished himself as an icon of faith, a promoter of peace, and a tireless advocate for justice, unity and love.

He said that the Bishop was not only a revered shepherd of God’s flock but a spiritual colossus whose life embodied humility, sacrifice, and undiluted devotion to the service of God and humanity.

The governor, in a condolence message he personally signed, said that the voice of the late Catholic Bishop in times of uncertainty and his counsel were a source of divine wisdom to leaders and the faithful alike.

It read: “It is with a heart weighed down by deep sorrow, yet comforted by the eternal promises of God, that I received the news of the passing unto glory of His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, the 3rd Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.

“I am compelled to assert that his transition marks the end of an era of profound spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and fatherly leadership in Ebonyi State and beyond.

“As a true son of Ebonyi State, Ededeagu Umuezeokohu in the Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State, Bishop Chukwu distinguished himself as an icon of faith, a promoter of peace, and a tireless advocate for justice, unity, and love.
“With and through his pastoral mission, he touched countless lives, strengthened families, and nurtured the spiritual growth of our people.

“While I mourn his sad transition to eternity, I take solace and believe very strongly and convincingly in the eternal sacred truth in the Holy Scriptures, particularly found in the book of 2 Timothy 4:7, which reminds us: ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.’
Indeed, Bishop Chukwu lived a life worthy of this testimony. He ran his race with grace and finished strong in the vineyard of the Lord.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ebonyi State, I extend my deepest condolences to the Supreme Pontiff, Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious, and lay faithful, as well as the immediate and extended family of the late Bishop.

“We share in your pain, even as we celebrate a life well spent in the service of God and humanity.

“As a government, we recognize the role Bishop Chukwu played in fostering moral discipline, rectitude and social harmony.

“His passing is not only a loss to the Church but to the entire state and nation.

“We pray that the Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will grant his gentle soul eternal rest and give all who mourn him the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”