Former Imo Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, has mourned the death of Dr. Chris Asoluka, calling it an indescribable shock. Ohakim praised Asoluka’s calm dignity and invaluable support during his tenure.
He extended condolences to Asoluka’s family, Imo people, and Nigerians, urging all to draw lessons from his life.
The Full Statement Reads:
I lack words to describe my state of mind since I learnt of the death of my bosom friend and ally, Dr. Chris Asoluka, a couple of days ago. The usual language is “shock,” but for me, that is an understatement.
Just sometime last week, I called the editors of my forthcoming memoir to say that, in spite of the apparent space constraint, I had something very important to add to the book in order to properly put on record the immense contributions of Dr. Asoluka to the modest success we posted during my tenure as governor of Imo State. Two days later, the news of his death came to me!
Chris was not a member of my cabinet, but he stood by me in all the challenges I faced. As a management expert, I found his advice on vital administrative issues quite invaluable. Of course, I was not alone. Dr. Chris Asoluka was highly sought after by everybody and every institution that placed premium on organizational excellence. Chris was simply everywhere.
Even though I knew of his ill health, from which he was almost fully recovered, Chris’s death should be a very, very big lesson to those of us still alive. In the touchy message released by his family to announce his passage, it said Chris transited from the world “with the calm dignity that defined his life.” That testimony, “a man with calm dignity,” should resonate in the minds of those of us that are still alive today, especially those unrepentant destroyers: to strive to live a life of dignity and calmness no matter how terrifying the challenges might be.
My condolence goes not just to the family but to all Nigerians. To our good people of Imo State, I say once again, “take heart.” Coming just a couple of weeks after the demise of the late Paschal Dozie, another world-acclaimed economist, Dr. Asoluka’s death is quite painful.
But we cannot query God. As the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, said, “It is not life that matters but the courage with which it is lived.” Chris was full of courage, but we should even show more courage in mourning him and bearing this irreparable loss.
Good Night, Okwuruoha.
Sgd:
H.E. Dr. Ikedi Ohakim
