Uche Chukwumerije 1939-2015

Life of a comrade
From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja
Chukwumerije (born November 1939) was elected a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in April 2003, representing Abia North Senatorial District.‎ He served as Minister of information in the dying days of the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida and during the Interim National Government (ING) of Ernest Shonekan.

Chukwumerije, an avid organizer and leader of movements was as far back as 1960, Founder-President of the Pan-African Volunteers for Protection of Lumumba, the Congolese patriot who was betrayed and murdered by the likes of Tshombe, Kasavubu, and Joseph Mobutu, later known as Mobutu Sese Seko.

He founded or led various other bodies, among which are; Movement for African Union 1962 – 1965, Socialist Agit-Prop Group 1964 –1966, Progressive Thinkers Forum 1965 -1966 and Christian Unity Band, 1991.

In 1961, his socialist vision inspired him to join the Socialist Workers and Farmers Party (SWAFP), led by Dr. Tunji Otegbeye and at the end of the war in 1970, he founded AFRICOPE, the first continental mouthpiece of the African continent with circulation all over Anglophone Africa.

By 1983 when the magazine folded up because of his heavy commitments to what he cherished as a superior cause namely the fight for the masses in Aminu Kano’s Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Chukwumerije has emerged the first journalist to interview Presidents or Heads of States of all Independent African states. He spearheaded a successful media campaign for Nigeria’s recognition of the regime of Dr. Augustinho Neto in war-torn Angola.

For three years, as the PRP fought against odds to win seats in Nigeria’s two national elections, Chukwumerije rose from the post of Publicity Secretary to Secretary General. He valued Aminu Kano and the PRP as the role model for Nigeria’s political class.

It should also be mentioned that between 1991 and 1992 he took a Diploma in Theology at Faith Bible College, Otta and was in the middle of a degree programme in Theology when he was appointed as Information Minister.
In the contemporary Nigerian political terrain, Chukwumerije has remained an enigma and a prominent voice who since 2003, has been a three-term Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In that position he has functioned in over five Senate Committees and was also a member of ECOWAS Parliament. He died as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education.

Jonathan mourns Chukwumerije
By Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday described the death of the Chairman Senate Committee on Education, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije as a loss of monumental proportion. He therefore extended his heartfelt condolences to his immediate family as well as the government and people of Abia State.

In a statement on his behalf yesterday by his spokesman, Reuben Abati the President also commiserated with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the passage of Senator Chukwumerije who was an ardent believer in national unity, peace, political stability and progress.

As the nation mourns him, the President urges Senator Chukwumerije’s family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values and principles which he lived for and never stopped fighting for till his death.
The President joins them in mourning the late patriot and nationalist who has left behind an impressive legacy of discipline, honesty, integrity and hard work in public service.

President Jonathan believed that the late Senator Chukwumerije, who had a distinguished career as a journalist, social critic, Minister of Information and Senator, would be long remembered for his dedication and passion for a just and equitable society.

Tambuwal too….
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Senator Uche Chukwumerije which occurred last Sunday in Abuja.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described the deceased Senator as a fine legislator and a refined gentleman whose passion for the unity and progress of Nigeria is well-documented.

He said Chukwumerije’s deep knowledge of legislative ethics and practices is unequaled, adding that given his contributions to the development of Nigerian legislature, history will be kind to him.

While extending the condolence of members of the House of Representatives to the Senate and his constituents, Tambuwal prayed to Almighty God to give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Shekarau, Ashafa, Omisore
commend his virtues
By Seye Olumide
MINISTER of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, in a condolence message described the former senator’s death 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, “Chukwumerije’s death is also a big loss to Nigeria’s democracy.”

He said the former Minister of Information was a pragmatic and forthright politician who was highly cerebral and unrepentantly patriotic with a clear and straight stance on every issue.

ccording to him, “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.”

IN another condolence message, former Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Iyiola Omisore said, “It is with a heavy heart that I have read of the passing away of Chukwumerije.

He said Chukwumerije was one of the finest legislators in the country since the advent of democratic rule in 1999.

According to him, “His contributions on the floor of the senate on national issues, especially, Education Committee, which he chaired until his death has helped to proffer solution to the myriads of problem besetting the sector.

“As former Appropriations Chairman, I can recall vividly that Chukwumerije was always seeking the interests of his constituency, state and indeed South East and Nigeria as whole. He was jovial, humble and urbane!