The Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso(OFUJI), has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Late Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, who died recently at the age of 60.
Dr. Anyaso described the death of the respected labour leader as a painful loss to the Nigerian labour movement, Abia State, Bende and the wider society, particularly at a time when his experience, wisdom and leadership were still needed in the service of the people.
The late Comrade Ugboaja, according to Dr. Anyaso, was not only a respected leader within the organised labour movement but also a strong believer in the OFUJI 2027 project and the aspiration to provide effective representation for the people of Bende Federal Constituency.
Dr. Anyaso recalled that before his passing, Comrade Ugboaja had openly identified with the OFUJI project and had expressed his support for his aspiration to represent Bende at the House of Representatives in 2027.
He further disclosed that the late NLC General Secretary had gone beyond personal endorsement by encouraging and directing Labour stakeholders and members of the organised Labour Movement in Bende to support the project and work towards ensuring his victory at the polls.
For Dr. Anyaso, the support of Comrade Ugboaja was particularly meaningful because it came from a man whose entire career was deeply connected to the struggle for workers’ welfare, social justice and improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
The Labour Party candidate said one of his greatest regrets was that Comrade Ugboaja would not be alive to witness the outcome of the political project he supported.
According to him, he would have been particularly delighted to see the late labour leader physically present when the people of Bende would have given him their mandate and when he would subsequently be inaugurated as the Member representing Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027.
“I would have been glad to see my late brother, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, be part of this project, but unfortunately, he is no more.”
Dr. Anyaso said he would have loved to look back after the election and see Comrade Ugboaja among those who supported the journey from its early stages, particularly at the moment of inauguration at the National Assembly.
“I would have been glad to see him witness my inauguration into the House of Representatives come 2027.”
He said the passing of the labour leader had reminded him of the temporary nature of life and the importance of making meaningful contributions while alive.
“For those of us that are alive, it is a reminder that we are all on queue and none of us leaves alive.”
Dr. Anyaso said Comrade Ugboaja’s commitment to the OFUJI project would remain a treasured part of the political journey, adding that his support had further demonstrated his belief that Bende deserved purposeful, accountable and people-oriented representation.
He also described the late NLC General Secretary as a man whose influence extended beyond his official position, noting that his contributions to the labour movement had earned him respect among workers and stakeholders across the country.
He prayed God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss and to grant the soul of the late Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja eternal rest while assuring them of his full participation before and during his burial.
Dr. Anyaso also expressed hope that the ideals of service, courage, solidarity and commitment to the welfare of the people that Comrade Ugboaja represented would continue to inspire those he left behind.
“You supported the journey while you were here. We will never forget.” He concluded.
