Nwifuru Pays Glowing Tribute To Late Bishop Peter Chukwu At Burial

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has paid glowing tribute to the late Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu, describing him as a courageous and sincere cleric who stood firmly for truth, morality and institutional integrity.

The late bishop, who served as the third Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, died on April 10 and was laid to rest on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Speaking during the burial ceremony, Governor Nwifuru said Bishop Chukwu distinguished himself through honesty, candour and unwavering commitment to spiritual leadership.

“He never pretended to be neutral where morality and societal conscience were concerned, but carried the burden of spiritual leadership with uncommon sincerity and discharged his episcopal responsibilities with conviction, intellectual versatility, charisma and candour,” the governor said.

According to him, the late cleric remained steadfast in defending moral values at a time when many leaders had chosen silence in the face of societal decline and uncertainty.

“In an era where many leaders have chosen silence in the face of moral decline and social uncertainties, our late Bishop Chukwu chose the difficult path of truth.

“He reminded us that the Church must never surrender its prophetic voice and that leadership must always be anchored on justice, accountability and the fear of God,” he added.

Governor Nwifuru further described the late bishop as a strong advocate of excellence, discipline and the protection of sacred institutions from secular influence.

“His commitment to preserving the dignity, neutrality and spiritual sanctity of the Church informed many of the difficult decisions he took during his episcopal leadership,” the governor stated.

In his homily, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji reminded Christians of the fragility and transitory nature of life, while reflecting on the sudden death of the late bishop during his episcopal assignment.

Quoting 2 Timothy 4:7, Archbishop Ugorji consoled the faithful, saying the deceased had completed his earthly mission and earned his transition to eternal rest.

Also speaking, the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty conveyed the condolences of Pope Leo XIV over the bishop’s death.

“The Holy Father mourns the death of Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu. His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is deeply saddened by his passing,” Archbishop Crotty said.

He noted that the late bishop championed the social doctrine of the Church and strengthened Catholic institutions under his leadership, praying for his peaceful and eternal repose.