Tears flowed freely over the weekend at Oyigbo in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State as the body of late Davies Chijioke Mavis Azuonwu, the ward 9 PDP E- Agent who was shot death by men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) drafted to rig the March 9, 2019 election in favour of a particular party, was eventually laid to rest at his parent’s compound.
Speaking at the event the Rivers State governor who was ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Kenneth Kobani said the government will not only support the bereaved family but would ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will not go unpunished.
Governor Wike also used the opportunity to condemn in its entirety the re-insurgence of criminality in the state and promised to tackle it headlong thereafter.
“The cultists and criminal elements should either repent and change their ways or relocate as government will turn the heat on them”, he warned.
He said that what happen to late Chijioke was not politics but outright murder, adding that the young man paid the supreme prize for protecting the interest of the party, noting however that the mission of the perpetrators failed.
The Greater Port Harcourt City Administrator and PDP Campaign Director-General, Amb. Desmond Akawor in his remarks lamented the death of Chijioke and cursed those who were responsible for the irreparable loss, adding that except the enemies of Oyigbo repent and beg for forgiveness, they would suffer.
He however urged the Oyigbo people to unite and fight their common enemies. “The death of Chijoike should unite us the more for the area to move forward”.
The Executive Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Prince (Hon) Gerald Oforji (JP) cried that he feel pained that they are gathered for the burial of a promising young man whose offence was only identifying with and defending the course of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Is this enough reason for someone who wants power by all means to take his life for ordinary election? He asked to no one in particular.
The chairman used the opportunity to place a curse on the killers of Chijioke whom he described as a very respectful and committed member of the party. “As many as they are who plotted and killed you, go after them”, he charged the spirit of the fallen hero.
Preaching the sermon during the funeral service, Revd Canon Phc Akaya of the Anglican church of Nigeria, Oyigbo lamented that he has not seen such bitterness and acrimony in politics as witnessed in the last general election.
According to him, “It is not a good thing for parents to be alive to nurse and train his/her child to adulthood only to also preside over the person’s burial.
The man of God wondered aloud, couldn’t the killer have collected all Chijioke had and spared his life?
He however made it known that death is no respecter of persons, neither does the living go as they were born, advising that it is important that people make peace and identified with their maker and as well be ready for any eventuality.
Revd Akaya made it clear that when the going is good, many persons would come around to rejoice with you but in times of darkness like this, the victim will be left all alone.
Reading his biography, Chisom, the deceased elder brother said his brother was a very intelligent young man which stood him out in the family.
“Born 29 years ago, Late Davis was a compassionate, accommodating and jovial personality whose memory will be hard to forget. The biography revealed that the late Davis made his mark in the community and society he found himself, adding that he was a committed member of the PDP which earned him the position of an E-Agent in the just concluded general election that claimed his life and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Highlights of the funeral ceremony was the special prayer for the bereaved family members.
