Distinguished Senator Athan Achonu was among many renown personalities and political leaders, prominent among whom was Mr Peter Obi Labour Party national leader and presidential candidate, who attended the burial of deceased former Senator Annie Okonkwo.
The ex senator from Ojoto Community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, died in the USA, after a prolonged illness. He represented Anambra Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate on the platform of the PDP, between 2007 to 2011.
Pouring his heartfelt condolences to the family on the occasion, the Imo Labour Party Governorship Candidate for the November 11 governorship election, said Senator Okonkwo’s death was painful, coming at a time his wise counsel was needed by his immediate family and the society at large.
Senator Achonu noted that he was a committed patriot who deployed his time, energy and resources to contribute to the growth and development of his senatorial zone, Anambra State, Igbo land and Nigeria.
He particularly eulogized his pioneering role in the promotion of the Aku Ruo Ulo developmental philosophy, that emphasizes the great need for Ndi Igbo to invest at home, pointing out that his footprints in this direction will remain on the sands of time for a long time.
The frontline candidate for the upcoming Imo governorship election, said like the late politician and entrepreneur, he has also been in the vanguard of the Aku Ruo Ulo for nearly two decades.
According to him, apart from spending substantial personal funds to mount vigorous advocacy on the issue, he has also practically demonstrated commitment to it, with many investments in Imo State, topmost of which is the multi million Numo Agro Industries in Umunumo, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State.
He gave firm assurance that if elected by the Imo electorate, his administration will pursue the policy headlong through massive investment in agriculture and industrialization, creation of enabling environment to attract private investments, power generation, and granting of total financial and administrative autonomy to the 27 LGs of the state.