It is no longer news that the Cross River state chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Dr Matthew Achigbe (KSM JP) died in a ghastly motor accident along Afikpo road, Ebonyi state while returning to his home in Obubra Local government area of Cross River state from a meeting of Knights of St Molumba of the Catholic church.
Until Achigbe's demise he was the state party chairman even with a controversial factional chairman, a battle which has led to the emergence of two governorship candidates in the state in the persons of Pst Usani usani- Min for Niger Delta Affairs and Sen John Owan Enoh who is a seating senator.
The burial arrangements have been slated as follows: Thursday, Dec 6, body leaves, Anatomy Department, UNICAL for lying in state at his residence,
Plot 167 Parcel E1, GRA layout off LEMNA, ikot Efanga, Calabar.
Lying in state at All progressive congress state Secretariat, Barracks road, Calabar. By 9:00 Am
Farewell mass at St Patrick parish, Ikot Ansa, Calabar by 10: AM
Body arrives St francis Xavier's parish, Obubra by 3pm
Body arrives Family compound, Nkum Akpambe, Yala- Obubra LGA, Cross River state for lying in state by 7:00 PM
FRIDAR, 7 DEC-
Funeral mass at Christ the king Catholic church, Nkum Akpambe station, St Francis Xavier's parish, Obubra, Catholic Diocese of Ogoja by 9:00 Am
Interment follows thereafter at his compound, Nkum Akpambe, Obubra LGA, Cross River state
Well meaning Cross Riverians and party faithfuls have sent in their condolence messages and Voice of yala get a hold of aome and the read.
"SIR Victor Abang TRIBUTE TO LATE APC CHAIRMAN IN CROSS RIVER STATE"
"TRIBUTE TO A MAN OF INTEGRITY, A TRUE LEADER, Dr MATTHEW ACHIGBE
Dear Dr Matthew Achigbe, the blow was hard and the shock was severe. We never dreamed your death was so near. But only those who love can tell the pain of parting without farewell.
It was shocking news that brought tears to my eyes. You made me remember what it was like to cry. You brought sanity and unity into the APC family in Cross River State. You were stabilizing the ship.
No one can ever imagine what it means losing you. To hear your voice, to see you smile, to sit and talk with you awhile, to be together in the old way, would be our dearest wish today, but loving memories will never die.
You were a man of substance, with a good heart and like a father to everybody. In our hearts, a memory is kept of the one we love and will never forget. If only tears could bring you back, then you will be right here with us.
Your absence has created a big vacuum in our hearts and our party. As a devote Catholic, I am so pleased that you left with Christ in you, as you were returning from a meeting of the Knights of St. Mulumba where you faithfully and graciously served as Municipal Grand Knight (MGK). You imparted on people of all ages, you contributed in changing lives, you shared experiences and to me, you were an experience.
Though you might be physically gone, your thoughts shall never depart from our minds neither will your place in our hearts be replaced.
Dr Achigbe, you were like a father to me, you provided support and inspiration to all my requests especially in my present political journey. Your kindness, openness and guidance will be cherished forever and for sure your legacy will be remembered.
I remember your last statements to me four days before your demise at the Pope John Paul Catholic Centre, Abuja: “Mature, take it easy, be strong, don’t bother much, this kind of injustice can’t stand for long”.
I miss you so much and I know you are resting in the bosom of the Lord, whom you faithfully served while on earth.
Farewell Dr Achigbe.
Victor Abang
5th December, 2018"
"GO WELL DR. MATTHEW OJONG ACHIGBE ( KSM, JP)"
"My dear brother, Jerry Achigbe,
I received the news of your darling father, our father, with utter shock and deep sadness. His death came at a time we need his wise counsel and mentorship.
Your father was a man of deep vision, a pedagogue and an icon of hope who stood for social justice, equity, fair play and the good of humanity.
Dr. Achigbe was not just your father, he was a father to many. His death is not just your loss but our loss.
My dear friend and brother, the task ahead is daunting, but you must be strong to carry on with the good works he left behind. I know it may not be easy, but you have God. Our God is always ready to help you. Trust him and look up to the Cross in times of difficulties.
On behalf of the entire Late Chief Augustine Abi's family, we wish to express our sympathy and ask the good Lord to strengthen the family and grant you all the fortitude to bear this great and painful loss.
Your Brother !
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
For Late Chief Augustine Abi's Family"
See photo attached below for the tribute sent in by one of the governorship candidates of the APC sen John Owan Enoh who was instrumental in his emergence as state chairman.
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