ONITSHA UNITES FOR JUSTICE: LEADERS RALLY AS LATE LAWMAKER JUSTICE AZUKA IS LAID TO REST

By Chioma Nwankwo/Claribel Udah/Chika Obi  :

The Commercial City of Onitsha was brought to a standstill as the community gathered in deep sorrow to bid farewell to the late Hon. Justice Azuka, the esteemed lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 State Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. 

The remains of Justice Azuka were first taken to a Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church before being escorted to his family home on Ugwunakpa Road for internment.

During the Mass, Governor Chukwuma Soludo addressed the congregation and the wider community. 

He expressed his heartfelt solidarity and condolences to the family of the late lawmaker, and emphatically dismissed rumors of any ransom payments, clarifying that no such payments were made. 

The Governor said that Justice Azuka’s accounts have been blocked, and confirmed that the perpetrators responsible for his tragic death have been apprehended and will face the full weight of the law. 

Soludo also announced that Anambra State is working tirelessly under the new “Operation Udo Ga-Chi” to tighten security measures, aiming to restore safety and ensure that Anambra becomes a secure place for everyone to live and enjoy once again.

Adding to the chorus of grief and support, the former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi spoke to newsmen, expressing his profound sorrow and extending his condolences to the bereaved family. 

“Nobody would be happy over this unless one is inhumane,” he remarked, noting, “We’re going through a very difficult time where a promising young man with a bright future lost his life. It is incredibly sad, especially given the current security challenges facing our nation. It is important that we address these issues collectively as a united body.”

Traffic on the busy Awka Road was completely halted to allow the somber procession to pass, underscoring the collective grief and respect felt by residents. 

Leading the procession was Mayor Nweze Tony Nwora of Onitsha North LGA, who, accompanied by local government officials and dignitaries, ensured that the final journey was conducted with the utmost dignity. 

The Mayor’s compassionate leadership was evident as he personally led the entourage from the church to the family residence, offering comfort and assurance during this difficult time.

As the city slowly resumed its normal pace, the unified response from Onitsha leaders and citizens served as a poignant reminder of the high cost of insecurity. 

The unwavering commitment of community figures, from Mayor Nweze Tony Nwora to Governor Soludo and former Governor Obi, underscores a determined effort to ensure that justice is served and that future acts of violence are prevented. 

The legacy of Hon. Justice Azuka continues to inspire a collective call for accountability, safety, and unity across Onitsha and the broader Anambra State.

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*