The remains of former Abia Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman,Sir Johnson Onuigbo has been laid to rest in his Umuobasi Ugba Afarata Ibeku country home, Umuahia North LGA.
Popularly known as “Akin Board” the late Johnson Onuigbo,aged 66 years, until his death was the state Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP and is survived by his wife,Lady Uzoamaka Onuigbo, Four children, four grand children and a host of other relations.
Speaking at a funeral service in his honour at Ugba Primary School Field, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who extolled the sterling qualities of the deceased, described him as a fearless, courageous, loyal friend who loved all that came around him, adding that the deceased lived a good life worthy of emulation.
According to the Governor, the demise of Sir Johnson Onuigbo will not be felt by his family alone but by those who loved him including the entire PDP family, Abia state government, people of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom and the state at large.
He commiserated with the bereaved family, urging them to take solace in God.
While describing the year 2020 as a year for sober reflection for all, the Governor enjoined Christians to be ready to answer the divine call when the time comes, adding that death is for all mortals.
He said, “All of us must sit back and know that there are forces that control our lives here and that soon and very soon, the owner of the universe will descend in the clouds of heaven to take His own. At that moment, it will be our turn to render account of our lives”.
“Therefore, I want to say that today should not be in vain. For those that were bothered about AkinBoard, he is no more, he has gone to meet his maker,this is victory.
“For those who think that it is good to snare, it is good to smear, it is good to gossip, it is good to say falsehood against one another,AkinBoard will no longer be available for you. For those who planned any evil against AkinBoard, he will be no more for you.
“This is a time for you to know that a day like this will certainly come for each and everyone of us. I pray that 2020 will come and go, 2021 will be better”, Ikpeazu concluded.
In a funeral oration, first son of the deceased,Tochukwu Onuigbo described his father as an embodiment of peace,love compassion, hardwork honesty, intergrity and humility as well as a caring husband, father and grand father who exhibited worthy legacies during his life time.
Mr Onuigbo said that they are consoled by the fact that their late father lived a good life and left enduring legacies for which he will be eternally remembered for.
In a sermon titled, “Do Not Be Foolish” , the Bishop Diocese of Umuahia Anglican Communion,Rt. Rev Geoffrey Ibeabuchi described foolishness as lack of discernment and reasoning noting that foolish men are known for evil deeds,non-fulfilment of vows and despisement of instructions.
He stated that the will of God is the salvation of humanity which is found only in Christ Jesus and thereby called on Christians to surrender their lives to God.