Okezie Ikpeazu, the Governor of Abia state, has hailed the virtues of the late Peoples Democractic Party Gubernatorial candidate in the state and ex-Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University Uturu, (ABSU), Professor Uchenna Ikonne.

Recall that late Ikonne was confirmed dead early hour of Wednesday 26th January, 2023 by his eldest son, Mr Chikezie Ikonne.

However, Governor Ikpeazu, while extolling the outstanding attributes of the deceased during a condolence visit to the Umuahia residence of the late Ikonne family recently, described the passage of the Abia PDP gubernatorial Candidate as shocking, enormous and irreparable.

He regretted that all human efforts made to save the life of Professor Ikonne proved abortive and it was clear that God called him home.

According to Ikpeazu, the late Professor Ikonne was a good, fearless and courageous man who also died in his belief in Christ.

Governor Ikpeazu expressed the hope that a glorious life awaits him hereafter and urged his wife, who is the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Lady Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne, his first son, Dr Chike Uche-Ikonne , family members and others affected by the death to take heart.

The Abia Chief Executive said his love, vision and dream for a better Abia led him to Professor Uche Ikonne as a worthy successor from 29th May 2023 because of his forthrightness, courage, record of service, experience and dedication to the State.

Responding on behalf of Ikonne family, the first son of the deceased, Dr Chike Ikonne thanked the Governor for identifying with his family in their moment of grief and for the role he played in ensuring that their father lived, stressing that they have accepted the misfortune as the will of God.

According to a release by Ememanka, “the Governor later signed the Condolence Register before leaving the residence.

“The Wife of the Governor Dr Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, the Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Barrister Okey Igwe and some stakeholders including Dr. Chris Odinaka Igwe, Rt Hon. Chinedum Elechi, Elder Raymond Aliga, MON, amongst others joined Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to the condolence visit.