Death has been described as an inevitable and unavoidable transition from the transient earth realm to Gods glorious eternity.
Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Professor Gregory Ibe, made the statement when he paid condolence visits to the families of Dr Anagha Ezeikpe, Chief Sir Johnson Onuigbo and Professor Augustus Mbanaso respectively in Umuahia recently.
Speaking while consoling Dr Anagha Ezeikpe over the recent passage of his wife Mrs Linda Ezeikpe, Prof Ibe encouraged the nonagenarian statesman to remain strong while bearing the unfortunate incident with stoic equanimity. Recalling his encounters with the deceased, Prof Ibe praised the humane disposition of late Mrs Ezeikpe, stating that by her death humanity has indeed lost a rare gem. He therefore prayed God to grant the bereaved family fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Reacting to the gesture, Dr Ezeikpe appreciated Prof Ibe for his acclaimed capacity to identify with people, enjoining him not to relent.
At the country home of the late former Chairman of Abia state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Sir Johnson Onuigbo, Prof Ibe bemoaned the untimely demise of the renowned political stalwart, contending that by his death a big vacuum has been created in the state. He described Chief Onuigbos style of politics as politics without bitterness, and sued for sustenance of his legacies. Prof Ibe subsequently counseled his family members to take consolation in the indelible footprints of their father, stressing that posterity will definitely be kind to the party czar. Responding on behalf of the family, Sir JohnPedro Irokansi commended the fraternal relationship that existed between Chief Onuigbo and Prof Ibe, enjoining the Chancellor to extend similar courtesies to the family members of his late friend.
Signing the condolence register at the residence of the Mbanaso family, Prof Ibe regretted the death of Prof Augustine Mbanaso, describing him as his academic senior brother and bosom friend of many years. Asserting that the late medical icon must have been translated to Gods paradise, he adjured his family to mourn moderately, promising continuous support and sustained partnership.
It will be recalled that Prof Ibe, who recently returned from a long journey, had in the past undertaken similar visits to other notable bereaved Abia families, in order to commiserate with them for the death of their beloved members.