Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness on the passing of a former Commissioner in the state and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tom Amioku.
Amioku reportedly died on Saturday after a protracted illness, a few days to June 17 when he would have been 75 years old.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba, Okowa said that the demise of Amioku was a great loss to the state and the PDP family, especially at this critical period.
He commiserated with the people of Egborode community, Okpe Local Government Area and Urhobo nation over the sad incident.
According to the governor, the deceased was a gentleman-politician and stakeholder, who served Deltans dedicatedly and conscientiously in the several capacities he served the state.
He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman and grassroots politician, who passed on Saturday.
“The news of his death came to me as another shock, coming a few days after the passing of a serving DESOPADEC board member and former member of the state’s cabinet.
“Chief Amioku was a gentleman-politician, who distinguished himself in the service of Delta, first, as Commissioner for Special Duties from 1999 to 2001, Commissioner for Power and Energy from 2001 to 2003 and Commissioner for Works from 2003 to 2007.
“In all the assignments, he demonstrated immense commitment to the unity and development of the state, and due to his outstanding performance in those ministries and in the Executive Council of the state, he was appointed Commissioner in charge of Delta on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).’’
The governor prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends to bear the loss.
Amioku hailed from Egborode in Okpe Local Government Area. He was Vice-Chairman of PDP in Delta Central, and in Gov. Okowa’s administration, was pioneer Chairman, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency.
