The Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the House of Representatives, Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, OON, was among prominent political leaders and dignitaries who gathered on Saturday to honour the memory of former Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government and Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Political Mobilisation, late Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Sorokwu, as he was laid to rest.
The funeral, which drew an impressive gathering of political leaders, government officials, APC chieftains, community stakeholders, friends, associates and sympathisers, provided an opportunity for the political class to reflect on the life and contributions of the late former council chairman to public service and the development of Aniocha South.
Elumelu’s presence at the ceremony reinforced the significance of the occasion and the bond of solidarity among political leaders and stakeholders in the Federal Constituency, particularly in moments of bereavement and transition.
Speaking in a chat with cshowcasenews.com on the sidelines of the funeral, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu described the late Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Sorokwu as a committed and dedicated party man who made significant contributions to the political development of the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and Delta State as a whole.
Elumelu, who spoke with deep emotion, said Sorokwu’s commitment to the political project and his contributions to the growth and development of the constituency would not be forgotten, describing his death as a painful loss to the political family, particularly the people of Aniocha South.
According to him, the late former council chairman was a dependable political stakeholder whose dedication to service and commitment to the collective interest earned him the respect and goodwill of those who worked with him.
The former Minority Leader commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, his friends, associates, political colleagues and the entire people of Aniocha South, urging them to take solace in the enduring legacies he left behind.
Elumelu prayed God Almighty to grant the soul of Late Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Sorokwu eternal rest and grant the bereaved family and all those mourning his passing the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
He noted that while Sorokwu’s physical presence would be missed, the values he upheld, the relationships he built and his contributions to public and political life would continue to remain a part of the collective memory of the people he served.
The final rites for the deceased reached a solemn climax in the early hours of Saturday when his remains arrived at the Aniocha South Local Government Legislative Building, within the premises of the Local Government Council in Ogwashi-Uku, for a valedictory session organised in his honour.
The session, presided over by the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Leonard Nzemeke, brought together members of the legislative arm of the council and political stakeholders who paid glowing tributes to the late Sorokwu.
Speakers at the valedictory session recalled the deceased’s contributions to public administration, politics, education and the banking industry, as well as his role in the political development of Aniocha South.
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, described the death of Sorokwu as a profound loss, particularly at a time when the wisdom and experience of elder statesmen remained valuable to the local government.
Chukwunwike commended the deceased for his contributions to the banking and education sectors and his leadership as council chairman, noting that his service had contributed to the growth and recognition of Aniocha South.
According to him, the true measure of leadership was not simply the office a person occupied, but the lives touched, institutions strengthened and values established while in service.
He said although Sorokwu had passed on, the values he represented and the legacy he left behind would continue to speak to generations.
The Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Leonard Nzemeke, also urged the bereaved family and the people of Aniocha South to remain peaceful and uphold the values for which the deceased was remembered.
Nzemeke described Sorokwu as a courageous and humble leader whose contributions to the development of the local government had earned him a permanent place in the hearts of the people.
The APC Chairman in Aniocha South, Pastor Norbert Akachukwu Sochukwudinma, while conveying the tribute of the party’s national leadership, described the deceased as a committed and dependable party man who consistently distinguished himself in assignments entrusted to him.
A former Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Pius Eziashi, and the Councillor representing Ejeme, Hon. Paul Brown Ezenweiwe, described Sorokwu as more than a former council chairman, portraying him as a political and administrative soldier who was deeply committed to giving governance purpose, direction and meaning.
At Aniogor Primary School, venue of the reception, the atmosphere remained solemn as political leaders, community stakeholders, friends, associates and sympathisers continued to pay their final respects.
The gathering also offered an opportunity for the political class to reflect on the transient nature of political office and the enduring value of service to humanity.
The officiating minister, in his sermon during the funeral service, reminded the congregation of the brevity of human existence and urged the living to dedicate themselves to Christ and live lives that would positively impact humanity.
He stressed that while earthly positions and possessions were temporary, the legacies of faith, service, love and compassion could continue to influence generations long after an individual’s departure.
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South, Pastor Chukwunwike, was accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Patricia Adolue, and other officials of the Local Government.
Other dignitaries at the funeral included Hon. Pascal Adigwe; Hon. Chief Isaac Anwuzia, PhD; Hon. Austin Chikazie; Hon. Smart Ufoh; Hon. Dr. Jaunty Okwudi; Hon. Izuka Okolo; Hon. Lawrence Ejiofor; and Hon. Collins Iwebunor.
Captains of industry, members of the clergy, community leaders, friends and associates also joined the mourners in bidding farewell to the former council chairman.
As Sorokwu was finally committed to mother earth, the ceremony became a poignant reminder that political offices are transient, while the impact of selfless service can endure beyond the lifetime of the individual.
For the political class and people of Aniocha South, the passing of the former council chairman represents the loss of an experienced public servant whose contributions to governance, politics and community development will remain part of the history of the local government.
His final journey thus ended not merely as a funeral, but as a celebration of a life of service and a reminder to those still in public office that the most enduring legacy of leadership is the positive difference made in the lives of the people.
