From Ameachi Prosper (The New Diplomat’s Delta State Correspondent)
Rivers and Edo States Governors, Nyesom Wike and Godwin Obaseki, have sent messages of condolence to the chairman of South South Governors Forum, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the death of his father, Chief Arthur Okowa.
While Governor Wike described the death of the patriarch of the Okowa family as a great loss to the people of the state, Governor Obaseki said, “I received the news of the passing of Chief Arthur Okorie Okowa, father of my brother, friend and Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, with a heavy heart.”
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, the Rivers governor said the late Chief Okowa who was an astute administrator and community leader died at a time his wise counsel would be greatly needed.
Governor Wike also commiserated with Governor Okowa over the death of the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Sir Tim Owherefe, representing Isoko North Constituency.
The patriarch of Okowa’s family died at the Federal Medical Centre Asaba at 88 years after brief medical complication on Thursday morning.
The death comes barely hours after the news of the death of Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Tim Owhefere was announced.
The lawmaker died late night of Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the Federal Medical Center, Asaba.
Hon. Owhefere, a fourth term lawmaker, was until his death, the member representing Isoko North Constituency at the State Assembly and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
It has been reported that the lawmaker had been indisposed recently of which it was alleged to be of the dreaded Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19.
However, governor Wike described the two deaths coming at the same time as a double tragedy for Delta State.
He assured Governor Okowa and the people of Delta State that the government and people of Rivers State share in their pain and moment of grief.
The Governor prayed God to comfort the bereaved families and grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.
The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said: “I received the news of the passing of Chief Arthur Okorie Okowa, father of my brother, friend and Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, with a heavy heart.
“The late Okpara-Uku of Owa-Alero was a revered community leader who exuded uncommon love and grace that endeared him to all”.
A statement signed by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, expressed heart felt condolences to the government and people of Delta state over the passing of the father of the Governor Chief Arthur Okorie Uzoma Okowa.
The late, “Chief Okowa popularly called AOU was a patriot and symbolises courage and conscience to his people.”
He was a community leader and a great political mobiliser, an icon and great statesman whose words of wisdom contributed to peace and prosperity of Delta State.
“The late Pa. Okowa uses his position as the Okpara-Uku of Owa-Alero to contribute immensely to the development of Ika North East, Delta North and the citizenry. He was a community leader with strong views on developmental issues. Delta State has lost a Stalwart.”
