Follow Us on Google
From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has mourned the death of the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Peter Chukwu, who passed away on Friday at 60.
Nwifuru, in a statement he personally signed, said he received the death of the bishop with a heart weighed down by deep sorrow yet comforted by the eternal promises of God.
He noted that Chukwu was not only a revered shepherd of God’s flock but a spiritual colossus whose life embodied humility, sacrifice, and undiluted devotion to the service of God and humanity.
He opined that his transition marks the end of an era of profound spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and fatherly leadership in Ebonyi State and beyond.
“As a true son of Ebonyi State, Ededeagu Umuezeokohu in the Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State, Bishop Chukwu distinguished himself as an icon of faith, a promoter of peace, and a tireless advocate for justice, unity, and love.
With and through his pastoral mission, he touched countless lives, strengthened families, and nurtured the spiritual growth of our people.
“The voice of the late Catholic Bishop in times of uncertainty, and his counsel was a source of divine wisdom to leaders and the faithful alike.
“While I mourn his sad transition to eternity, I take solace and believe very strongly and convincingly in the eternal sacred truth in the Holy Scriptures, particularly found in the book of 2 Timothy 4:7, which reminds us: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Indeed, Bishop Chukwu lived a life worthy of this testimony. He ran his race with grace and finished strong in the vineyard of the Lord.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ebonyi State, I extend my deepest condolences to the Supreme Pontiff, the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious, and lay faithful, as well as the immediate and extended family of the late Bishop.
“We share in your pain, even as we celebrate a life well spent in the service of God and humanity.
Other News
“As a government, we recognise the role Bishop Chukwu played in fostering moral discipline, rectitude and social harmony.
“His passing is not only a loss to the Church but to the entire state and nation.
“We pray that the Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will grant his gentle soul eternal rest and give all who mourn him the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the governor said.
The late Chukwu died of health-related issues.
He was born on November 5, 1965, in Ededeagu Umuezekohoha, Ezza North Local Government Area of the state.
After attending the Seat of Wisdom Seminary in Owerri, where he completed his philosophical studies (1985–1989), he undertook his theological studies (1990–1993) at the Bigard Memorial Major Seminary in Enugu.
Subsequently, he studied at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio (2000–2001) and at Marquette University in Milwaukee, in the United States of America (USA), obtaining a Doctorate in Philosophy (2002–2007). He was ordained a priest on 3 July 1993, incardinating himself into the Diocese of Abakaliki.
His appointment as the third bishop of Abakaliki Diocese was announced on Tuesday, 6th July 2021, while his episcopal ordination and installation as the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki took place on Thursday, 19th August 2021, at St Theresa’s Cathedral, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
He was consecrated by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, with Archbishop Valerian Okeke (Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province) and Archbishop Augustine Akubueze (Metropolitan of Benin Ecclesiastical Province and CBCN President) as co-consecrators. About 50 other bishops from within Nigeria were also in attendance.
