Nwifuru honours Late Bishop Peter Chukwu, describes him as voice of truth

Obituaries

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Wednesday, joined Catholic faithful, religious leaders and dignitaries in paying final respects to the late Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu, describing him as a courageous and principled leader who defended truth and morality throughout his ministry.

Most Rev. Chukwu, the third Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, died on April 10 and was buried in Abakaliki amid tributes from church leaders, government officials and members of the public.

Speaking during the burial ceremony, Governor Nwifuru said the late bishop remained steadfast in his commitment to justice, accountability and spiritual leadership, even in difficult times.

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According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Monday Uzor, the governor described the deceased cleric as a man who spoke openly on moral and societal issues without compromising his convictions.

“He never pretended to be neutral where morality and societal conscience were concerned, but carried the burden of spiritual leadership with uncommon sincerity,” Nwifuru said.

The governor noted that the late bishop distinguished himself through courage, intellectual depth and candour, adding that his style of leadership stood out in a period marked by declining moral values and growing social uncertainty.

“In an era where many leaders have chosen silence in the face of moral decline and social uncertainties, Bishop Chukwu chose the difficult path of truth,” he stated.

“He reminded society that the Church must never surrender its prophetic voice and that leadership should always be rooted in justice, accountability and the fear of God.”

Nwifuru further described the late cleric as a defender of institutional integrity and spiritual discipline who worked tirelessly to preserve the sanctity and dignity of the Church.

According to him, many of the difficult decisions taken by the bishop during his episcopal leadership were guided by his determination to protect sacred institutions from undue secular influence.

“He was deeply committed to excellence, discipline and the protection of the spiritual sanctity of the Church,” the governor added.

In his homily, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of the Owerri Archdiocese urged Christians to reflect on the transient nature of life and remain faithful in service to God.

Archbishop Ugorji said although the death of Bishop Chukwu came as a shock to many, the late cleric had completed his earthly assignment and remained fulfilled in his calling.

Quoting Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7, he said the deceased had fought a good fight and finished his race in faith.

Also speaking during the funeral rites, the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Francis Crotty, conveyed the condolences of Pope Leo XIV to the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the Diocese of Abakaliki.

“The Holy Father mourns the death of Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu,” Crotty said.

“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is deeply saddened by his passing. He championed the social doctrine of the Church and strengthened Catholic institutions under his watch.”

The Papal Nuncio prayed for the peaceful repose of the late bishop and encouraged the faithful to uphold the values he represented during his lifetime.

The burial attracted bishops, priests, political leaders, traditional rulers and worshippers from different parts of the country who gathered to honour the late cleric’s contributions to the Church and society.