The burial of HRH Igwe Prof Samson Ukpabi (Ezeoha 1 of Ekoli Kingdom) attracted personalities from Nigerian Defence Academy NDA, as the Prelate of the Methodist Church, Archbishop Sam Uche took defended the looting of palliatives by Endsars protsters.
The Nigerian Defense Academy NDA delegation was led by Brigadier General A A Aboaba (Registrar) who represented the Commandant. Other delegation from NDA include Prof Y Umar (Dean Postgraduate School), Prof J M Nwaedozie (Dean of Science), Prof C Osakwe (Head Dept of History and War Studies)
The Chief of Defense Staff, General A G Olanisakin in his condolence letter stated that “the numerous memories displayed during his career especially as the Pioneer Provost of the Nigerian Defense Academy, Chairman of Universal Basic Education and his passion for the church will remain engraved I our memory”
Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweramadu was physically present to pay homage to the late sage whom he described as “a gallant soldier who fought in defense of his people rising to the rank of Colonel in the Army of the defunct Biafra. The late Elder Statesman was an academia per-excellence and engine room of human capital development in the old Anambra State, Enugu State and the nation”
Senator Ekweremadu said that late Prof Ukpabi “facilitated his appointment as an Auxiliary Teacher at the St Vincent School, Akpogugu”
The Deputy Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon Toby Okechukwu, present at the event, in his condolence said that “it was under his tenure as Provost of Administration (ASUTECH) that I had the opportunity to work for the University as a Library Assistant”
The Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress, Rev Obinna Akukwe described Prof Ukpabi as ‘a man of many firsts who served Nigeria and Enugu State without embezzling public funds, and whose examples should be followed by current politicians”
The Prelate of the Methodist Church, His Eminence Dr Samuel Kanu Uche, in his sermon, described late Prof Ukpabi as a public servant who lived a simple life, lived in a simple house, and attended to the needs of his people and the church with the fear of God.
Archbishop Uche lambasted corrupt politicians who hoarded Covid-19 palliatives. According to him “those protesters who looted the palliatives are within thei rights because the politicians who hoarded the palliatives are anti-people. Anywhere anyone sees any palliative, let them take it because it belongs to the people”
Archbishop Uhe warned corrupt politicians that “soon, the public loot they cornered will cause them purging and running stomach, until they return what they took from the people”
Other Ministers at the event include Most Rev C N Ede (Archbishop of Enugu), Rt Rev U U Mmeregini (Bishop of Agbani),Rt Rev U U Onagha (Bishop of Onitsha) Rt Rev Tasie (Bishop of Mgbo) among others.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo delegation was led by Barrister Emejulu Okpalaukwu (Chairman, Igbo Ohanaeze Integrity Groups)
The Knights of John Wesley and septuagenarian students of Uzuakoli High School were in attendance to pay homage to the demised. Professors from numerous universities were in attendance.
Late Prof Ukpabi was the Pioneer Provost of Nigerian Defense Academy NDA( 1985-1992), Chairman Joint Admission and Matriculations Board JAMB, (2009-2011) and former Secretary to Enugu State Government under Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo and Navy Commodore Temi Ejoor.
He is survived by Lolo (Mrs) Irene Ukpabi, Chijioke Ukpabi, Chukwuemeka Ukpabi, Ngozi Ukpabi and Ogechukwu Ukpabi.
