Victor Ezeja
Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former governor Peter Obi, and Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, were among the personalities that attended the burial of late Justice Chukwunenye Azuka, on Saturday in Onitsha.
Azuka, a mmember of the State House of Assembly, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1, was gruesomely murdered by criminals who kidnapped him on 24 December, 2024.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking at the funeral, Governor Soludo expressed deep sorrow over the manner in which Azuka was killed by his kidnappers,
He said what happened was an abomination, adding that it is still difficult for him to believe it happened.
He described the deceased lawmaker as a partner who greatly supported his government.
The governor, who condemned the heinous acts of kidnappers, said some in the past kidnapped and collected ransoms but youths of these days not only abduct and collect ransoms but also kill their victims.
He said the only consolation in the killing of Azuka is that most of the criminals involved are in the custody of law enforcement authorities.
He assured that the state government will ensure that justice is served to those involved in the killing of the lawmaker adding that such will never happen again.
“We are sad that Hon. Azuka died the way he did. It’s most painful but it has happened. The consolation there is that literally all the people involved in his death are with us in custody,” Soludo stated.
“They murdered Justice and we will give them Justice, no two ways about it.
“We are so shocked by the way youths these days are taking human lives. Many people have in the past been kidnapped and ransoms were paid and they were released. But youths these days kidnap and kill their victims even when they have collected ransom,” Soludo stated.
He pledged that his administration is working towards beefing up security across the state.
Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general Election, led other party members to the burial of Azuka, who was also a member of the party.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Obi said it was with heavy heart and anguish that he witnessed the burial of Azuka.
He said the incident is a painful reminder of the growing insecurity across the country, and called on the government at all levels to take necessary steps in enhancing security.
He extended condolences to the deceased lawmaker’s family, Onitsha town, and the entire people of Anambra State and prayed that God would comfort his young children, who have been cruelly deprived of a father’s love and guidance.
Also present at the Burial Mass that was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Awka Road, Onitsha were: the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze; Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Dr Tony Nwoye; Members of the Federal House Representatives, notably, Hon. Emeka Iduu (Onitsha North and South), Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North and South), Hon. George Ozodinobi (Anaocha Dunukofia and Njikoka), Hon. Peter Aniekwe (Anambra East and West), etc. and Members of Anambra State House of Assembly—Hon. Henry Mbachu (Awka South 1).
Also, former governorship candidate in Anambra State, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, a governorship aspirant, Dr. George Muoghalu, and Chief John Nwosu, among other notable personalities, attended the burial.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
