Obi, Nwifuru, Mbah, Anyim Storm Ebonyi Bishop’s Funeral Amid High-Profile Gatherings.
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Peter Obi, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah were among prominent political and religious leaders who attended the funeral of the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Other notable attendees included former Senate President and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, Ebonyi Deputy Governor Patricia Obila, former Governor Martin Elechi, as well as senators, members of the House of Representatives, and several government officials from within and outside the state.
The funeral Mass, held at St. Theresa Cathedral, Abakaliki, also attracted 42 members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), alongside Catholic archbishops from across the country, before the bishop was finally laid to rest.
Pope Leo XIV, represented in Nigeria by Archbishop Michael Grotty, extended condolences to the Abakaliki Diocese, expressing sorrow over the bishop’s passing and praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
In his homily, Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Lucius Ugorji, described the late bishop as a deeply committed shepherd who lived closely with his congregation and fully embodied his pastoral calling.
He praised Bishop Chukwu’s wisdom, courage, humility, and sense of justice, noting that he consistently spoke against social injustice, corruption, and oppression, while serving as a strong voice for the voiceless.
Ugorji also highlighted the bishop’s dedication to truth and moral leadership, describing him as a fearless preacher who prioritized faith, integrity, and service above personal comfort, and lived by his episcopal motto of total dedication to God and humanity.
President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Mathew Man-Oso Ndagoso, also paid tribute, describing the late bishop as a humble and faithful servant whose calmness, wisdom, and spirituality made him a respected figure within the Catholic hierarchy.
He said Bishop Chukwu’s contributions to the Conference, particularly as Assistant Secretary, reflected his commitment to the Church and his ability to offer guidance marked by patience and encouragement.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, in his tribute, described the late bishop as a moral compass and fearless voice of truth who stood firmly for justice, discipline, and societal reform at a time when such values were increasingly rare.
He lamented the bishop’s death as a major loss to Ebonyi State and Nigeria, noting that his teachings and leadership inspired spiritual revival, strengthened church institutions, and promoted moral consciousness across society.
The governor further described Bishop Chukwu as a man who rejected silence in the face of wrongdoing and consistently upheld accountability, truth, and faith throughout his ministry.
Bishop Chukwu passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 60. He was born on November 5, 1965, in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and was ordained a priest in 1993 after completing his theological training in Nigeria and further studies in the United States.
