By Ononye VC
The sad news of the death of Senator Clement Annie Okonkwo KSJ, Agunaechemba, as he is fondly called by admirers, came as a shock to many.
Annie Okonkwo was reported to have celebrated his 63 years birthday on 23 may, 2023.
He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007 to represent the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone in Anambra State.
A reliable source informed Trinitas that “he was recovering after undergoing treatment overseas over a terminal illness but relapsed a few days after and died.”
The shocking news has unsettled both family and friends of the former popular senator who endeared himself to all.
Our source said further arrangements would be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings are held within the family”.
His son, Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, is the House of Representatives Member-Elect for Idemili North and Idemili South Federal Constituencies, Anambra State.
Senator Okonkwo, who was elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), represented the Anambra Central District in the Sixth Assembly from 2007-2011.
He was also a former governorship aspirants during the 2010 governorship election in the State, but lost to the then incumbent governor, Peter Obi, who was re-elected.
Senator Okonkwo was born in May 23, 1960 in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
When he ventured into business, he built a conglomerate employing over 7,000 people that includes firms such as Reliance Telecomm, Clemco Industries, Modern Communications (satellite TV Network), MacClemm Marketing Communications, Sunflower Nigeria and Pentagon Oil.
After being elected as a Senator, he was appointed to committees on Upstream Petroleum Resources, Police Affairs, Environment and Agriculture.
He was the Senator, who sponsored the bill for the Federal Government to make essential commodities accessible and affordable to Nigerians, as well as a bill to establish the Nigerians Citizens in Diaspora Commission.
Senator Okonkwo just recently celebrated his 63rd birthday on May 23 this year before his death on Wednesday, June 7.
May his soul rest in peace.
