By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari; Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong; and the Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 elections, Mr Peter Obi, on Friday joined the Catholic Diocese of Orlu to bid the late Bishop Gregory Obinna Ochiagha farewell.
The concelebrated burial mass, held at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Orlu and presided over by the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and Metropolitan of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Anthony J. V. Obinna, brought together family, friends, well wishers and dignitaries from all walks of life, who came to pay their last respects to the late Bishop.
Paying his tributes to the late Bishop, the president represented by the Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, explained that the late Ochiagha was a spiritual father to him and many people across the country.
Recalling that the bishop became a priest the same year Nigeria gained her Independence, Buhari said that Ochiagha had put in many years of labour in God’s vineyard. He prayed God to accept Ochiagha’s soul.
After the mass, Mr Peter Obi said Ochiagha’s death was particularly painful to him because the prelate was a bold promoter of education and good governance in the country.
Obi said that Ochiagha impacted lives positively beyond ecclesiastical domains. He extended his condolence to the Ochiagha family, the Bishop and people of Orlu Diocese, while praying God to grant the bishop eternal rest. Other dignitaries at the event were the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Senator Rochas Okorocha; former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim; 36 bishops, numerous priests and well wishers.
