Former Anambra Senator, Annie Okonkwo, dies at 63

Annie Okonkwo, a former lawmaker representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has reportedly died.

Okonkwo, a prominent figure in both business and politics, hails from Iruebenebe village, Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

From 2007 to 2011, he served as the representative for Anambra Central Senatorial District, holding office under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Throughout his active years, he also vied for the esteemed position of Governor of Anambra State on several occasions.

A family source Annie Okonkwo passed away in the United States, where he had been undergoing medical treatment.

He was said to have previously battled lung cancer but recovered. However in April, it relapsed and he had been on life support until he passed on.

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A statement released by his family announcing the death read, “The entire Okonkwo family of Iruebenebe village Ojoto, announces the passing on to glory of High Chief Annie Okonkwo. Indeed, Ojoto has lost her political pillar.”

He was succeeded at the Senate by the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

During his time  in the Senate, Okonkwo was appointed to committees on Upstream Petroleum Resources, Police Affairs, Environment and Agriculture.

He was last seen in public, when his son, Uche Okonkwo, who won a seat in the House of Representatives, paid him a visit to present him his certificate of return.