Chukwumerije as a Christian Marxist

Described as a spiritual person, Chukwumerije’s quest for the knowledge of God saw him taking up a Diploma course in Theology at the Faith Bible College, Otta, Ogun State between 1991 and 1992. He was in fact, in the middle of a degree programme in Theology when he was appointed Federal Minister of Information in 1993.

It is on record that the late Uche Chukwumerije placed his fellowship with other Christian legislators in worship of God above all other contributions he made to the corporate life of the National Assembly.

For four years, he was the President of Christian Legislators Fellowship, a non-denominational organization that networks the worship programmes of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the State Assemblies. This organization hosts annually the national prayer breakfast.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Senator Chukwumerije had pioneered the steady growth of membership of the Fellowship. Today, all Christian legislators are members of the Fellowship. The group’s plan to build its own place of worship in the precincts of the National Assembly Complex had reached an advanced stage before Chukwumerije’s death.

As we bid this great Igbo icon farewell, it would be proper to understand his place in history. He was a man who would not be deceived by dishonest political posturing and grandstanding. He was not intolerant yet, he refused to suffer fools gladly. He was resolute, but not reckless explaining

why in all his actions, honour and principle remain the guiding beacons.

An unequivocal defender of citizens’ welfare, Uche Chukwumerije had throughout his stay here on earth, espoused civil rights, social justice, economic empowerment of the less fortunate in the society.

Chukwumerije’s demise will no doubt mark the end of a fearless voice for Ndigbo. It will certainly bring to an inglorious end, the agitation for equity and justice in Nigeria. For his people Ndigbo, the best way to keep Chukwumerije’s legacies glowing is by religiously taking to his admonition: “Ndigbo must today-not tomorrow- regain themselves and re-assert their corporate personality in our multi-ethnic Federation or diffuse into isolated individual entities in the anonymity of Nigeria’s multitude.”