John Abiodun
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has described the late General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, as an irreplaceable figure whose death has created a significant vacuum in the labour movement and the country.
Kalu made the remarks on Thursday during a condolence visit to the family of the late labour leader at Amaohoro Nkpa, Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State.
Received by members of Ugboaja’s immediate family, including his children and brothers, as well as community leaders such as Professor Pat Ugboaja, Comrade Chukwuemeka Ugboaja, Taiwo Ifeanyi Ugboaja, and retired Justice S.N. Imo, the Deputy Speaker described the deceased as a distinguished son of Bende whose contributions would be difficult to replace.
“Ugboaja is irreplaceable. It will be difficult to replace the man. Bende may not get this position again. Bende was blessed to have somebody like him,” he said.
Describing the late NLC General Secretary as a worthy ambassador of Bende, Abia State, the Igbo nation and Nigeria, Kalu said his death was a painful loss that extended beyond his immediate community and the labour movement.
“He was a true ambassador of Bende, of Abia, Ndi Igbo. It is painful. He was very resourceful. He had acquired a lot of knowledge and diverse experience. He was our pride. It is not only a loss to Ndi Igbo but to the country,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged that although they belonged to different political camps, Ugboaja had distinguished himself through his commitment to labour advocacy and activism.
He noted that the late labour leader’s extensive experience and understanding of workers’ welfare and struggles made him eminently qualified for higher responsibilities, including serving as Minister of Labour.
Kalu expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, praying that God would grant his wife, children, siblings and the entire community the strength to bear the loss.
“We may not have worked in the same political party. He understands labour,
activism. God has called him to rest. Our prayer is that God will give his family, wife, children, brothers, community the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
Offering words of encouragement to the family, Kalu prayed for divine comfort, peace and renewed opportunities for them despite the painful loss.
He also assured the family that he would adjust his official engagements and schedule to enable him, attend the burial and pay his final respects to the deceased.
The Deputy Speaker further pledged to support the family in areas where assistance might be required during the burial arrangements, adding by praying for the peaceful repose of Ugboaja’s soul.
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