Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Friday assured the immediate family of the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Chief James Ocholi, his wife and eldest son who are being buried this weekend of his support.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, said the uprightness and good works of the late minister will continue to speak in favour of the family in particular and the government and people of Kogi State in general.

He urged the family not to see the burial as the end of the road “seeing that the late Ocholi had sufficiently immortalised himself through his courageous and exemplary life style during his brief sojourn on this earthly plane.”

Saraki who has not recovered from the shock resulting from the loss of such a great Nigerian and one of the leaders of the North Central, said: “Ocholi’s life, though brief, was dedicated to the service of God and humanity. This single realisation ought to cheer us rather than make us shed tears over his sudden transition to the great beyond.

“Yes, it is difficult not to give way to emotions in circumstances of this nature, but his godly qualities give us hope – a hope that should mitigate our anguish. It is painful that he left us when his services were most needed, but we are comforted that he had proved his mettle as a legal luminary and politician to the satisfaction of all,” Saraki stated.

While praying God to grant the souls of the departed eternal life, he assured his children of his support always.

•Photo shows late James Ocholi’s son, Aaron.