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Umahi Condemns Brutal Killing of Monarch, Mourns with Former Deputy Igwe During Condolence Visit

Published

7 months ago

March 12, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, on Wednesday paid condolence visit to his former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Barr. Kelechi Igwe, following the brutal killing of his father, HRH Eze Francis Igwe, at the late monarch’s palace in Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The visit was marked by strong words of comfort as the former Ebonyi State Governor stood shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved family, condemning the shocking act while urging them to remain steadfast in faith despite the painful loss.

Addressing members of the family and community leaders, Umahi described the killing of the revered monarch as a deeply disturbing act that reflects the troubling level of cruelty in society.

“When I heard of this unfortunate occurrence, for me it was like a dream, a very, very deep dream. The whole episode is strange, the level of man’s inhumanity against man. You will be with somebody and think he or she is a human being. The people that did this thing are not human beings,” the Minister said.

“And when strange things happen like this, it tells me that the Bible is being fulfilled, that the end is truly at hand because how do people plan such things for weeks and months and yet still have the mind to execute it.”

Umahi recalled the close relationship the late monarch shared with the leadership of Ebonyi State during his time in office, describing the royal father as a man whose wisdom and guidance helped sustain unity and stability.

“He was a father to all of us. We worked very well with him during our struggles, giving us advice, fathering us and making sure that the squabbles you will see between deputy and governor never existed between us. He was a man of wisdom, committed to God and service to humanity.”

Visibly saddened by the tragedy, the Minister prayed for divine justice against those responsible for the killing.

“It is quite very shocking and my prayer is that all the people that did this, the wrath and judgment of God will be upon them.”

He urged the bereaved family, particularly the widow of the late monarch, to take solace in the support of the wider Ebonyi family and in their faith in God.

“I ask you to be consoled, together with your wife and mother. Your mother is now our mother; we have to become her husbands and take care of her. I know it is very difficult for her, but the Bible says that in all things we must give thanks to God. We console the family, we console our mother, we console the community and Ebonyi State at large.”

The Minister also revealed that he had spoken with the Governor of Ebonyi State, commending the commitment shown in responding to the tragic development.

“I have spoken to the Governor and I commend him very highly for the ways and manner he got committed to this. I was deeply touched by his disposition to ensure our father lived, but it pleased God the way it happened.”

Offering words of personal reassurance, Umahi told the family that they would not face the difficult moment alone.

“I want you to be assured that I am a member of your family and you have my shoulder to lean on in all things. May God not allow this to happen again, not only in Alike Ikwo but also in the entire Ebonyi State and Nigeria. Please, be consoled.”

Responding on behalf of the family, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Barr. Kelechi Igwe, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Minister for standing with them in their moment of grief.

“On behalf of HRH Eze Igwe’s family and members of the cabinet, I want to thank you immensely for finding time to be here. We are grateful to you and from the reservoir of our hearts we say to you that the storms you have weathered in life and are still weathering have taught us to be strong, and we are strong.”

The Minister was accompanied by members of the DUN Foundation, who also joined in offering prayers and solidarity to the grieving family.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

19 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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