By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
High Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the 2023 Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Professor Augustine Alugbala Nwazunku, a former Caretaker Chairman of the PDP in the state.
In a statement on Friday, Odii described the news of Nwazunku’s passing as devastating, mourning him as a man who epitomised truth, honour, and integrity.
“I am devastated by the sad news of the death of Prof. Augustine Alugbala Nwazunku, the former Ebonyi State Caretaker Chairman of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and my ally,” Odii said.
He extolled Nwazunku as a patriot and a principled leader whose word was his bond.
“Chief Nwazunku was a confident man who believed in honour and the sanctity of truth. In the few years our paths crossed in the PDP, he stood firmly on the path of justice, fair play, and progress for our dear Ebonyi State.”
Odii noted that Nwazunku’s death has left an irreplaceable vacuum not just in the PDP, but also at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where he served as a lecturer, mentoring young Nigerians in environmental preservation and responsible leadership.
He further recalled Nwazunku’s resilience in the face of adversity:
“Despite the unwarranted humiliation by anti-democratic forces, he stood firm in defence of truth and justice.”
On behalf of the PDP family in Ebonyi State, Odii extended heartfelt condolences to the Nwazunku family of Ntezi-Aba, Izzi, in Nkaleke-Echara Unuhu Autonomous Community, Ebonyi Local Government Area.
“We assure the family that we shall stand by them during this grief,” he concluded.