Victor EzejaAbia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has suspended all campaign activities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for a week to mourn the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Uche Ikonne, who died Wednesday morning.
According to a statement from the family, Prof. Ikonne, the immediate past vice chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu, died at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness. There were reports that the PDP candidate, who was on medical treatment for some months, had suffered some heart-related issues.
Governor Ikpeazu in a statement directed that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered at half mast as a mark of honour to the deceased Ikonne.
The campaign activities of the PDP in the state are to resume on Monday, 30th January, 2023, according to the statement.
“It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
“While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“As a mark of honour to our dear departed brother, I hereby direct that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January, 2023.
“I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together,” statement read.
Late Ikonne, a Professor of Optometry, was the vice chancellor of ABSU from 2015 to 2020.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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