Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, died on Sunday evening after battling with a prolong lung cancer.
Chukwumerije was said to have died at the Turkish Hospital in Abuja, at the age of 75.
The ranking senator and former Information Minister, born in November 1939, was aged 75.
The family, in a statement by Chidi Chukwumerije, titled, ‘The passing of an inspirational icon’, explained that the late senator, who represented Abia North Senatorial District in the upper chamber, died, “surrounded by his family.”
The statement reads, “Comrade Uche Chukwumerije passed into the open arms of history, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, after a long but gallant battle with lung cancer.
“His life is in many volumes, which can only be told with care and time, of dedication and focus, integrity and discipline, and an unbroken love for the highest ideals of our shared humanity.”
The family explained that details of his burial arrangements would be announced in due course even as it requested prayers and good wishes.
Senate President, David Mark, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, expressed shock and sadness at the news of the death of Chukwumerije.
Mark stated that Nigeria had lost an erudite and extra ordinary nationalist, lamenting that Chukwumerije was one of the brightest and fertile minds in the Senate.
He said, “He (Chukwumerije) radiated intelligence, exemplary conduct in both public and private life. He was a team player, who brought meaning to hard work . He was focused and determined to make positive difference.
“Chukwumerije was a shinning light and a pathfinder. We shall miss him. No doubt he left a vacuum that will too hard to fill. He was a consummate and passionate Nigerian, who believed in the sanctity of the peace and unity of the nation.”
Also Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, while reacting to the passing on of the ranking Senator, described him as a fearless politician, who fought for the interest of the common man and his people.
He described him as “a patriot, who gave his best towards the peace, unity and development of Nigeria”.
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