TheCable

Tears flowed freely in Illah community in Delta state, as Samuel Okonta, the corps member, killed during the rerun election in Rivers state was laid to rest.

His remains were committed to mother earth at his family compound around 3pm, after a burial service which held at the Christ Holy Family Catholic Church, Illah.

Okonta 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 sermon, Peter Mbuogwu, Vicar of Issele-Uku Regular, who led other officiating priests, lamented over the high level of violence in political environments.

He urged politicians to have the fear of God and always remember that He alone gives power to whom He wishes.

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

He prayed that God grants the deceased eternal rest, asking Nigerians to immortalise him by resolving to respect the sanctity of human life and to embrace peaceful and credible approaches to electoral activities.

Johnson Olawumi, NYSC director-general, showered encomiums on Okonta, saying he died while making his own contributions towards ensuring a better Nigeria.

Represented by Rhoda Kaka, the scheme’s director of corps welfare and inspectorate, Olawumi reaffirmed NYSC’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 incident to deter them from their belief in Nigeria.

In his message, Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, described Okonta as a martyr and one of the nation’s heroes of democracy.

Yakubu, who was represented by Baritor Kpagih, resident electoral commissioner of Delta, said the commission would work in consultation with the bereaved family to immortalise Okonta.