Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has commiserated with the government and people of Abia, Ikonne family and the PDP on the passing of the party’s Governorship Candidate, Prof. Uchenna Ikonne.

Prof. Ikonne reportedly died on Wednesday morning at the National Hospital, Abuja.

In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Thursday in Asaba, Okowa described the late Prof. Ikonne as a brilliant scholar and administrator whose services would be greatly missed by the people of Abia and Nigeria.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with my dear brother Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, the Ikonne family and the PDP family in Abia on the unfortunate demise of our party’s gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Uchenna Ikonne.

“Prof. Ikonne was an outstanding scholar and committed member of our party who contributed immensely to the party’s victories in Abia and in the country.

“As a committed patriot, erudite scholar, renowned optometrist, Prof. Ikonne offered himself to the service of his people and humanity leading to his nomination as governorship candidate of our party in Abia until his untimely demise on Wednesday.

“It is my prayer that God grants his family and the party the fortitude to bear this huge loss while also praying for the repose of his soul,” Okowa stated.