The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Thursday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja.
Speaking during the visit in Amaohoro Nkpa, Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, the Deputy Speaker who was received by late Ugboaja’s immediate family members, children, brothers and community leaders amongst whom are Professor Pat Ugboaja, Comrade Chukwuemeka Ugboaja, Taiwo Ifeanyi Ugboaja, Esq and Justice S.N Imo (Rtd) described the late labour leader as irreplaceable, noting that it would be difficult to fill the vacuum created by his death.
He said: “Ugboaja is irreplaceable. It will be difficult to replace the man. Bende may not get this position again. Bende was blessed to have somebody like him”.
Describing the late NLC scribe as a true ambassador of Bende, Abia State, Ndi Igbo and Nigeria, the Deputy Speaker said his death was a painful loss not only to the Igbo nation but to the entire country.
“He was a true ambassador of Bende, of Abia, Ndi Igbo. It is painful. He was very resourceful. He had acquired a lot of knowledge and diverse experience. He was our pride. It is not only a loss to Ndi Igbo but to the country,” he stated.
He added that although they may not have worked in the same political party, Ugboaja understood labour and activism, and had distinguished himself in service.
He further described Ugboaja as someone who was fit to serve as a Labour Minister because of his vast experience in the labour union and his deep understanding of workers’ struggles.
“We may not have worked in the same political party. He understands labour, activism. God has called him to rest. Our prayer is that God will give his family, wife, children, brothers, community the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker who is representing the Federal Constituency at the National Assembly prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
“May the Lord strengthen your heart and give you peace that passeth all understanding. May the Lord calm your spirit. When you wander around, be still. More doors are going to be opened to this family. More opportunities will be made available to this family”, he said.
He also promised to juggle his programmes and itineraries to enable him to attend the burial to pay his last respect to the dead.
While offering to assist in the burial arrangements in the areas necessary, Kalu also prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed.
