Ude Oko Chukwu Leads Delegation to Honour Retired Navy Capt. Chris Osondu in Eluama

Former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu leads dignitaries to celebrate Capt. Chris Osondu in a belated 70th birthday visit. Discover what was revealed during the visit.

….  Former Abia Deputy Governor leads delegation to honour ex-Military Governor Chris Osondu in grand belated birthday visit at Eluama

 

By All Facts Newspaper

 

It was a heartwarming display of loyalty, appreciation, and political brotherhood as the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, led a powerful delegation on a special belated 70th birthday visit to Retired Navy Captain Chris Osondu, former Military Governor of Cross River State, at his country home in Eluama, Isuikwuato Local Government Area.

 

Speaking during the private visit, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu said the gesture was born out of deep respect and admiration for Osondu, who marked his 70th birthday recently, an event the former deputy governor was unable to attend due to his absence.

 

“We came here to celebrate with you, sir. Even at 70, you are strong, agile, and still full of life. We thank God for all He has done in your life. You are a man of your word—firm in conviction, unwavering in values. Whatever you like, you pursue. Whatever you don’t like, you don’t entertain. That’s rare, and we are proud to associate with you,” Ude Oko Chukwu said.

 

He noted that Osondu’s consistency and clarity of purpose have made him a respected figure in Abia State and beyond, stating that many have learned important lessons from their association with the retired Naval officer.

 

“We pray that God continues to strengthen you and give us more time to learn from your wealth of experience,” he added.

 

In his remarks, His Royal Majesty Eze Princewill Onyegbu, who is also a two-time member of the Abia State House of Assembly, described the visit as symbolic and timely.

 

“Capt. Osondu stood solidly with Ude Oko Chukwu during the 2023 political era. This visit is a reflection of deep appreciation. In Igbo land, when someone does good, we encourage them to keep doing good. That’s why we are all here today,” he said.

 

He emphasized that the bond between both men has inspired many within and outside the Abia political landscape.

 

Visibly elated, Retired Navy Captain Chris Osondu expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on him by Ude Oko Chukwu and his entourage. He described the former deputy governor as a man of integrity and humility, adding that he stood out among many political actors he has met in his career.

 

“I have seen many in politics, but Ude Oko Chukwu is different. I respect him deeply for the way he carries himself and handles issues. He is a good man,” Osondu said.

 

The visit featured an impressive roll call of political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and associates, including:

 

HRM Eze Princewill Onyegbu, traditional ruler and two-time ABHA member

 

Chief JJ Okoro, former Abia State Commissioner

 

Chief Obinna Ekekwe, former ABHA member and former Isuikwuato LGA Chairman

 

Chief Mascot Obike, former Abia State Commissioner

 

Professor Udochukwu Ogbonna, BIR Chairman Abia State

 

Kenechukwu Nwosu, Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Education

 

Barr. Ọlugu Kalu Ugba, former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu

 

Comrade-O’Brien Iroh, former Ohafia LGA Chairman

 

Loving Okoro, among other distinguished guests.

 

The atmosphere at Osondu’s Eluama residence was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and warmth, as political allies and admirers paid glowing tributes to the retired military officer whose influence continues to shape political discourse in Abia and the South East.