The Chairman of the seven-man Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has described the late Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe as a distinguished figure in his career.
Okocha made the remark when he led some members of the APC caretaker committee, supporters of the party, and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, on a condolence visit to Isiokpo, Ikwerre local government area of the state, the hometown of Wigwe.
Speaking at the palace of the Paramount ruler of Isiokpo community on Sunday, Okocha emphasized Wigwe’s global impact, describing his demise as a loss not only to Isiokpo and Rivers State but to the entire world.
Okocha, who is also the Rivers State Representative on the Management Board of the NDDC, urged the community to find solace in God for a worthy replacement.
He assured the Isiokpo people of the NDDC’s full participation in the late Herbert Wigwe’s burial arrangements.
Speaking to journalists outside the palace of the Traditional ruler of Isiokpo, Okocha said, “As a people we felt we should identify with them in their moment of grief, just as we would have identified with them in their moment of joy.
“We went to send our heartfelt condolences to them over this very terrible and irreplaceable death.
“The late Wigwe was an icon, he was a giant in his chosen career. He was an astute banker and somebody who distinguished himself in the banking industry and of course, a great entrepreneur.
“Somebody who has been in the business of providing employment and funds for the younger generation.
“So, it’s indeed a very painful one that we could lose such a hero to the very wicked pans of death, it’s so painful.
“I represented the Niger Delta Development Commission, of course that’s the reason I’m here, I’m their representative.
“My chairman is actively participation in the burial obsequies as announced already taking place in Lagos from tomorrow. They can’t all be here at the same time.” He added.
In response, Nna Matthew-Aleru, speaking on behalf of Isiokpo, expressed gratitude for Chief Okocha’s visit, highlighting the profound loss felt by the community due to the untimely passing of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son.
He said, “We wish this visit was for some other thing. We wish the visit was for the commissioning of a project or the flag off of a project, and not for sad news such as this.”
Wigwe was distinguished in his career – Okocha
