A cross section of prominent Nigerians have continued to send their condolences to the National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, on the recent death of his father. Mazi Cyprian Okoriocha Osonduagwuike Onwubiko died January 14 after a brief health challenge, aged 87.

Prominent Nigerian leaders who have send their condolences to the Onwubiko Family include Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and his Deputy Emeka Ihedioha.

Other prominent Nigerians who have sent in their condolences include the Federal Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN); Governor Magatakarda Wamako of Sokoto State and the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Elias Mbam.

In his letter, the Deputy Senate President commiserated with the children and wife of late Mazi Cyprian Onwubiko, who during his life time was a successful entrepreneur in Northern Nigeria and a community leader on his retirement to his country home in Ndiuche-Etiti, Arondizuogu, in Aro-Umuduru Autonomous community of Onu-Imo Local Government Council of Imo State.

The Deputy Senate President wrote thus: “I received with a deep sense of loss the news of the sad event of the passing on of your dear patriarch, late Mazi Cyprian Osonduagwuike Onwubiko.

“This is certainly a very grievous loss to the entire Onwubiko family and the rest of us your friends and well-wishers.”

The Deputy Senate President in the letter he personally signed said that he is convinced that the departed lived a fulfilled and happy life full of selfless service to Nigerians state. He wrote: “I however encourage you and the rest of the family to find solace in the fact that he lived to a ripe old age and led an accomplished life of selfless service to God and humanity. Although his excellence in community leadership and sense of industry will be highly missed, it is also gratifying to note that his light will continue to shine through you, especially in the propagation and defence of human rights in Nigeria.

“I send my deep condolences to you, the Onwubiko family and indeed the HURIWA over this grievous loss. I share in your sorrows over his death and join you in prayers for the peaceful repose of his gentle soul.

“While wishing you fortitude and grace as you pull through this challenging moment, please accept, my brother the assurances of my highest regards and support always.”

Deputy House Speaker Emeka Ihedioha in his own letter stated thus: “The news of the death of your father, Mazi Cyprian Osonduagwuike Onwubiko, left me with a heavy heart.

“Mazi Onwubiko was a man with a rare and exceptional character. A remarkable community leader, his honesty surpasses his years. Additionally, he distinguished himself as a man who feared God. Notably, a devout Catholic, his sacrificial living spoke to the lives of so many people. Thus, this man of timber and caliber will be greatly missed.”

The Deputy Speaker, who hails from Imo State, consoled the Onwubiko family members thus: “You are not alone in mourning this huge loss at this time, my family and I commiserate with you while praying for repose of the departed soul. Accept my sincere heartfelt condolence.”

On his part, Engr. Mbam in his condolence letter stated thus: “On behalf of Members, Management and Staff of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), I wish to commiserate with you and your family on the passing away of your dear father, late Mazi Cyprian Osonduagwuike Onwubiko; who slept in the Lord on January, 14th, 2014 at the ripe age of 87, after a brief illness.”

According to the boss of the Revenue Commission, “The demise of your dear father at the ripe age of 87 when you needed him most is indeed a painful and sad loss. His death is an irreparable loss not only to the Onwubiko family but the entire people of Ndiucheetiti-Arondizuogu Community in particular and Imo State in general.

“We should however be consoled by the fact that the late Mr. Onwubiko, Snr lived a fulfilled and accomplished life. He will be specially remembered for his contribution to the development of his community and the legacy of integrity, honesty and service to humanity he bequeathed to his family.”

•Photo shows late Mazi Cyprian Onwubiko.