Rivers State justice commissioner Emmanuel Aguma passes away in London hospital

RIVERS State's attorney-general and commissioner for justice Emmanuel Aguma passed away in the UK yesterday succumbing to a long-term illness at a London hospital where he has been flown to for treatment.

Between 2000 and 2002 Mr Aguma worked as the secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt branch and also chaired the bar from 2006 to 2008. Following his death, Governor Nyesom Wike has approved that all flags in the state should fly at half-mast for two days beginning from Saturday as a mark of honour for the commissioner.

Emma Okah, the Rivers State information commissioner, said: “It is with pain but with gratitude to the Almighty God that the Rivers State government announces the death of the state attorney-general and commissioner for justice Mr Emmanuel Aguma.  Until his death, Aguma served the state with an amazing sense of responsibility, commitment, passion, competence and courage.

“At all times, even in his sick bed, his exemplary zeal to serve Rivers never waned. Needless to say that Rivers and indeed the nation will miss his versatility and invaluable contributions to the development of our state and Nigeria.