By Valentine Amanze
The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has described the late Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu as a humane, but action-packed legislator, whose contributions to the development of his area, Imo and Nigeria would remain indelible.
Governor Uzodimma spoke at the burial of the senator at his country home, Ihitte Uboma, on Friday, February 21.
He said that Uwajumogu’s life and times were testimonies of what he represented, noting that even in the face of difficulties, “Ben survived political turmoil to return to the red chambers the second term but death did not allow him accomplish the desire to provide for his people effective representation”.
Governor Uzodimma used the occasion to immortalize the late Senator by renaming the state-owned College of Education, Ihitte Uboma, to Benjamin Uwajumogu College of Education.
The late Senator’s burial ceremony was attended by Nigerians from all walks of life with President Muhammadu Buhari represented by the Minister of State for Education, Chief Emeka Nwajuba, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawal, his Deputy, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and about 20 serving and former Senators of the Federal Republic.
Others who graced the occasion were former Imo State governors, Ikedi Ohakim and Senator Rochas Okorocha and former Deputy Governor, Dogulas Acholonu.
The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko Chukwu, represented Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Members of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Chiji Collins, and members of the House of Assemblies of South East states and several notable politicians from across the country also attended.
The roll call of dignitaries includes Dr. Chris Ngige (Minister of Labour and Employment), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (Minister of Science and Technology), Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Maurice Iwu, Prof. Anthony Anwuka and Dr. Uche Ogah (Minister of State for Mines).
The All Progressives Congress (APC) was represented at the burial both from the National Headquarters and the state.
Those in attendance from the APC include Emma Eneukwu, George Moghalu, Malcom Nlemigbo, Dr. Onyebuchi EJK, Uzoma Obiyor, Longers Anyanwu, Regis Uwakwe, Emma Ibediro, among others.
The serving and former senators who attended include Enyinnaya Abaribe, Andy Uba, Uche Ekwunife, Mao Ohuabunwa, Sylvester Anyanwu, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Victor Umeh, Ike Ekweremadu, Osita Izunaso, and many others.
Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to State Government, Maurice Iwu, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Nnamdi Anyaehie, were also present.
Uwajumogu died in December 18, 2019 at Abuja few months after being declared winner of the Okigwe North Senatorial seat for a second-term.
