The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji today, 28th May, 2021, attended a Special Valedictory Service held in honour of Late Chief Ukpai Kalu Ukpai Ph.D, the immediate past Deputy Chief of Staff (Office of the Governor) who passed on to glory on 30th March, 2021.

The Speaker in his sober tribute described the sudden demise of Chief Ukpai as an irreparable and painful loss to the immediate family and Abia as a whole.

“It is very difficult to accept the loss of this great man, the news of his untimely death came as a huge shock to me. Late Chief Ukpai was an extremely reliable friend and brother who was always ready to stand with you through thick and thin”, the Speaker said in an emotion-laden voice.

While consoling the bereaved family, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the painful loss and also praying for the soul of the departed to rest in the bossom of the Lord, the Speaker urged friends, relations and allies of the Late Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor not to abandon the family of the deceased.

The Governor of the State, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu, Wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Vivian Oko Chukwu, Senator representing Abia Central, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji CON, National Organizing Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, Col Austin Akobundu, Members of the Abia State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Barr Chris Ezem, Head of Service, Sir Onyii Wamah, serving and former members of the State Executive Council, the State’s Commissioner of Police, Janet Agbede, Clergymen, Traditional Rulers and other top government functionaries graced the event.