Professor Ikonne: Ikpeazu Suspends Campaigns, Orders Flags Flown Half-mast

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the death of Professor Eleazer Uche Ikonne, the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abia State, the State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has suspended election Campaigns at all levels. Ikpeazu also ordered that all PDP flags in the State be flown at half-mast.

Ikonne, a Professor of Optometry, and a former Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, died in the early hours of Wednesday, January 25, 2023. His passing was confirmed by his son, Dr  Chikezia Uche Ikonne in a terse release.

He said his father passed at about 4.00am on Friday after a massive heart attack, at the National Hospital Abuja.

According to him, the Prof had just come back from London on medicals when he suddenly relapsed.

Mourning Professor Ikonne, Governor Ikpeazu said in a statement he personally signed:

“It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

“While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“As a mark of honour to our dear departed brother, I hereby direct that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January, 2023.

“I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together.”

Professor Ikonne was last seen in public in November 2022 at a Campaign event in Umuahia. Before his death, speculations had been high over the state of his health.

The Governorship election is scheduled for March 11, 2023.