Condolence messages have been pouring in for the late father of Delta State Governor, Chief Arthur Okowa.
The governor’s party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commiserated with him over his father’s death.
The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja on Thursday.
Ologbondiyan described Okowa’s death as a huge blow not only to his family, but also to Delta and the nation at large.
He said it was sad that the governor’s father exited the stage at the time when the state and the nation needed his prayers, wise counsel and encouragement the most.
“Chief Arthur Okowa was a patriotic Nigerian and shinning example of honesty, hard work, humility and love, who committed his active years to the good of humanity and the service of God,
“Though we mourn, we found comfort in the fact that Chief Okowa ran a good race before God, lived a fulfilled life and bequeathed to us a statesman in Governor Okowa, whose commitment to the welfare and development of his state, our party the PDP and our nation at large, has been outstanding,” he said.
In a similar vein, Deputy Senate President, Omo-Agege has commiserated with the governor over his father’s death.
Omo-Agege said this in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity,Mr Yomi Odunuga, in Abuja on Thursday.
“I was shocked to hear of his passing in the early hours of Thursday, Jan. 28.
“As a father to many other than his biological children, Sir Arthur Okorie Uzoma Okowa meant a lot to the people of Owa-Alero in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta where he was born in 1932.
“Popularly called ‘AOU’ by all, Okowa, the Okpara-Uku of Owa-Alero remained close to his place of birth and he inspired many towards achieving true greatness.
“I sincerely commiserate with the family of our dear Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa and the good people of Owa-Alero, over the transition of this great man to eternal realms.
“May God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and grant all whom he left behind, fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh also expressed sadness over the passing away of Sir Arthur Okowa, the father of Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
In a statement, Askia stated that the death of Arthur Okowa came as a shock, describing Pa Okowa as a teacher, loving father, councilor, lover of God and adviser.
The statement reads: “I received with shock and sadness the passing of Pa Arthur Okowa, father of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta Delta State and patriarch of the family.
“A teacher, loving father, councilor, lover of God and adviser, Pa Okowa was a father to all who came in contact with him. I am immensely proud to call him a father because he considered me a son too. I thank God for granting him long life, even though we wished he lived longer.
“On behalf of my wife and children, I pray to Almighty God to receive the soul of our dear father in His paradise.