Saraki, who expressed disbelief at the tragic incident, which occurred along the Abuja-Kaduna road, described the death of the Minister as a colossal loss to the present administration in particular and the country at large.
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In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the government and people of Kogi State, leaders and people of North Central zone and the immediate family of the deceased.
“I still recall when the late Ocholi appeared before the Senate to be screened and confirmed as minister a few months ago. He was not only full of life, he came across to me as a man of great ideas and accomplishments.
“He was very articulate and brilliant in his presentation and gave good account of himself as Senior Advocate of repute, who given the chance to discharge the duty assigned to him, would have contributed immensely in turning around the story of unemployment in this country.
“His death and that of his wife and eldest son, is a colossal loss to me, his immediate family, the people and government of Kogi State, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the entire country,” he stated.
He prayed God to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest, while he urged Nigerians, especially his immediate family to be comforted by the fact that Ocholi breathed his last, while on active service for his father land.
Saraki also condemned the murder of an APC chieftain, Mr. Franklin Obi, his wife and 18-year-old son in Rivers State.
Saraki called on security agencies to unravel the masterminds of the heinous crime.
In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu expressed sadness and shock over the death of Ocholi and members of his family in a fatal auto crash.
In a condolence message to President Muhammadu Buhari, Ekweremadu described the late Ocholi as a seasoned professional colleague and consummate public officer.
“The incident, which bleeds the heart, is not only a grievous loss to the Ocholi family, Mr. President, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), but also to the nation in its entirety.
“I note, in particular, (that) Barr. Ocholi’s splendid performance when he appeared before the Senate for confirmation as minister a few months ago. Senators, across party divides, were unanimous in their agreement that he would be one of the standard bearers of your administration.
“I, therefore, send my heartfelt condolences to Mr. President, the APC, the Government and good people of Kogi State, and his immediate family. I pray God to grant their souls peaceful repose and to all of us the inner strength to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
