Ebonyi State Commissioner for Infrastructure for Concession, Engineer Fidelis Nweze has passed on following complications from an injury he sustained in a ghastly auto accident on Saturday.
Nweze, who had suffered a ruptured intestine during an auto crash on Saturday along the Enugu-Abakaliki highway, died in an Abuja hospital from complications of the surgery he underwent to correct the rupture.
Governor David Umahi, who confirmed his death to newsmen on Tuesday in Abakaliki, the state capital, described the Commissioner as irreplaceable and one of the pillars of his administration.
The Governor said: “Nweze died this morning at Turkish Hospital Abuja at about 9:50 am. He was travelling to Enugu on Saturday morning with his driver and orderly.
“At Obunagu in Enugu state, they rammed into a stationary truck. He was on seat belt and they were all conscious. He was rushed to Niger foundation Enugu.
“I got to know about it on Sunday and I insisted they move him to Abuja. I sent a doctor to the Turkish hospital.
“He was having severe pain, so they did an examination and discovered that the seat belt had ruptured his intestine.
“They did a successful operation and wanted to move him to the ward but we said no they should put him in the intensive unit for 3 days to be sure everything is okay.
“This morning they said he had a crisis and at about 9:50 am, he died.”
Governor Umahi, who had earlier lost the former Commissioner for Housing, Engineer Uche Okah, declared Wednesday, a Public Holiday in honour of the departed former members of the State Executive Council.
He also directed that all offices and markets should be closed while all flags across the state are to fly at half-mast on Wednesday.
The Governor further enjoined all Government officials to proceed on a 4-day fast to seek the face of God in the Affairs of the State.