TEARS, ENCOMIUMS AS Corps Member OKONTA who died during Rivers rerun IS buried

Corps member Okonta Dumebi Samuel, who was murdered by unknown gunmen during the recent re-run elections in Rivers State, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Illah in Delta State.

His remains were committed to mother earth at his family compound at about 3:00 pm  today after a funeral service in his honour at the Christ Holy Family Catholic Church, Illah.

Okonta (RV/15B/5539) was hit by his assailants while returning to his base after submitting the poll results at the INEC collation centre in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

In his funeral sermon, the Vicar of Issele-Uku Regular Reverend Father Peter Mbuogwu, who led other officiating priests, frowned at the way politicians encouraged thuggery. He urged them to fear God and to always remember that He alone gives power - and to whom He wishes.

Mbuogwu also advised youth in the country to resist being used by selfish persons to commit atrocities and, in stead, use their God-given talents for the good of the society.

He prayed God to grant late Okonta Samuel eternal rest. He said Nigerians should immortalize him and his likes by resolving to respect the sanctity of human life and to embrace peaceful and credible approaches to electoral activities.

It was a moment  of tears and eulogy as people from all walks of life, including a high-powered delegation of the National Youth Service Corps, joined the bereaved family to pay their last respect to Okonta Samuel.

The NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi paid tribute to the deceased Corps member noting that he died while contributing towards ensuring a better Nigeria.

"He believed in Nigeria, he served Nigeria and he died for Nigeria," he said.

Speaking through the Director of Corps Welfare and Inspectorate Mrs. Rhoda Kaka Kwaki, who led the Scheme's delegation, Olawumi reaffirms the Scheme's assurance that it would stand by the bereaved family.

He also commiserated with all serving corps members over the loss of their colleague, and urged them not to allow the incidence to deter them from their belief in and service to Nigeria.

In a message, the INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu described Okonta as a martyr and one of the nation's heroes of democracy.

Yakubu, who was represented by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Delta State Baritor Kpagih, assured that the Commission would work in consultation with the bereaved family to immortalize the deceased.