Uche Chukwumerije facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Uche Chukwumerije
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| Senator for Abia North | |
| In office 29 May 2003 – 19 April 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Ike Nwachukwu |
| Succeeded by | Mao Ohabunwa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 January 1939 Ogoja, Nigeria |
| Died | 19 April 2015 (aged 75) Abuja, Nigeria |
| Resting place | Ngogo Isuochi, Abia State, Nigeria |
| Political party | PDP |
| Other political affiliations |
Socialist Workers and Farmers Party (SWAFP), People's Redemption Party (PRP), Progressive People's Alliance (PPA) |
| Spouse | Princess Gloria Nwoyibo Iweka |
| Children | Che Chidi, Kwame Ekwueme, Azuka Juachi, Dikeogu Egwuatu, Chaka Ikenna, Uchemruaka Obinna (Uche jnr), Kelechi Udoka, Chikadibia Yagazie |
| Parents | Sergeant (Sarji) Ogbonna Chukwumerije, Mrs Egejuru Chukwumerije |
| Alma mater | University of Ibadan |
| Occupation | Politician, publisher, journalist, entrepreneur |
| Profession | Economist |
| Nicknames | Comrade, Ishikaraka |
Uche Chukwumerije (born January 11, 1939 – died April 19, 2015) was a Nigerian politician. Many people called him "Comrade Chukwumerije" because he believed in socialist ideas throughout his life. He was chosen to be a senator for the Federal Republic of Nigeria in April 2003. He represented the Abia North area in Abia.
Early Life and Education
Uche Chukwumerije was born on January 11, 1939. This was in Ogoja, a town that is now part of Cross River State in Nigeria. His parents were Sergeant Ogbonna Chukwumerije and Mrs. Egejuru Chukwumerije. They both came from Isuochi in Abia State. Uche was the fourth of his mother's eight children.
He went to Methodist Central School in Isuochi from 1943 to 1952. After that, he attended Our Lady's High School in Onitsha. From 1958 to 1961, he studied Economics at the University College Ibadan. He also went to Faith Bible College later in his life.
Political Journey
Uche Chukwumerije had an important role in Nigeria's government. He served as the Minister of Information and Culture. This was under two different leaders, General Ibrahim Babangida and Ernest Shonekan.
Serving in the Senate
In 2003, Chukwumerije was elected to the Senate. This is like a big council that makes laws for the country. He was part of the Peoples Democratic Party. However, he disagreed with his party's leaders when he spoke out against something called the "Third Term Agenda." This was a plan to allow a president to stay in power for longer.
Because of this disagreement, he left the party in 2006. He then joined a different party called the Progressive Peoples Alliance. He was re-elected to the Senate on April 28, 2007, representing this new party.
Later, in April 2011, he was re-elected to the Senate again. This time, he was back with the Peoples Democratic Party. He continued to serve as a senator until he passed away in 2015. He died from lung cancer while still in office.
His Family
Uche Chukwumerije was married to Princess Gloria N. Iweka. They had eight children together. Their children are Che Chidi, Kwame Ekwueme, Azuka Juachi, Dikeogu Egwuatu, Chaka Ikenna, Uchemruaka Obinna, and twins Kelechi Udoka and Chikadibia Yagazie. Uche and Princess Iweka divorced in 1988.
Two of his sons are well-known. One son, Chika, is an athlete. He won a bronze medal in Taekwondo at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Another son, Dike, is a famous Nigerian writer. He is also known for his public speaking and poetry performances.
