Odita Sunday 
Nnenna Mba- Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the 3rd Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Peter Nworie Chukwu, describing his passing as the end of an era of impactful spiritual leadership.
In a statement issued and made available by the Chief Press, Monday Uzor, Nwifuru said he received the news of the bishop’s transition “with a heart weighed down by deep sorrow, yet comforted by the eternal promises of God.”
The governor described the late cleric as “a revered shepherd of God’s flock and a spiritual colossus whose life embodied humility, sacrifice, and undiluted devotion to the service of God and humanity.”
“His transition marks the end of an era of profound spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and fatherly leadership in Ebonyi State and beyond,” Nwifuru said.
He noted that Bishop Chukwu, a native of Ededeagu Umuezeokohu in Ezza North Local Government Area, distinguished himself as “an icon of faith, a promoter of peace, and a tireless advocate for justice, unity, and love.”
“Through his pastoral mission, he touched countless lives, strengthened families, and nurtured the spiritual growth of our people,” the governor added.
Nwifuru further stated that the late bishop’s influence extended beyond the pulpit, noting that “his voice in times of uncertainty brought reassurance, while his counsel remained a source of divine wisdom to leaders and the faithful alike.”
While mourning his passing, the governor drew strength from the Bible, quoting 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” adding that “indeed, Bishop Chukwu lived a life worthy of this testimony—he ran his race with grace and finished strong in the vineyard of the Lord.”
On behalf of the government and people of Ebonyi State, Nwifuru extended condolences to the Supreme Pontiff, the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, as well as the clergy, religious, and lay faithful, and the immediate family of the late bishop.
“We share in your pain, even as we celebrate a life well spent in the service of God and humanity,” he said.
The governor emphasized that “his passing is not only a loss to the Church but to the entire state and the nation,” noting that the late bishop’s contributions to moral discipline, integrity, and social harmony would remain enduring.
He prayed that God grants his soul eternal rest and gives all who mourn him “the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
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