Senator Austin Akobundu earlier today visited the family of the late Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje who was among those who lost their lives in the ill-fated NAF ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed recently in Igbokoda, Ondo state.
In his remarks at the solemn gathering, Senator Akobundu told the Ugwueje family that he was particularly pained by the monumental loss of lives in the crash seeing that the victims had their lives cut short abruptly in their prime and at a time the entire nation looked to tap into their energy, zeal, intelligence and patriotism for a greater nation.
He said apart from the fact that he was a former Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, currently a member of the same committee and a retired military officer, the late Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje belonged to the same military constituency as him. He further stated that he particularly felt a huge sense of loss over the incident because the late young military officer was his constituent having hailed from Ukome Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. He therefore felt a compelling need to pay the family a visit in person to condole with them.
He hailed the late Air Force officer for his patriotism, and his contributions to the peaceful coexistence and progress of the people of Ukome Ibeku and the nation.
“We will miss him immensely!” he said.
He assured the people that his family, the people of Abia Central Senatorial District and he share in their grief at the loss of such a great man!
He prayed the Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest, and grant the family and the loved ones he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In their response, the family expressed gratitude to the Senator for the visit, and the words of condolence which they said would go a long way to comfort and strengthen them in their time of grief.
Those who accompanied the Senator on the visit included Barr Balogu, Hon Suleiman Ukandu, Chief Jude Chijioke Ndukwe, Mr Emeka Bahadur, Mr GodsLight Mbakwe.
