Esther Uzoma: Nigeria Lost ‘Courageous, Vibrant Civil Society Leader’ – INEC

The sudden death of rights activist, Esther Uzoma, has continued to elicit reactions from individuals and corporate organizations, with many extolling the virtues of the deceased lawyer. 

Uzoma, until her death on January 6, was the convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and national coordinator of Proactive Gender Initiatives (PGI). 

She reportedly died following a surgery at a hospital in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in its reaction, described the late lawyer as “a tireless campaigner for credible elections in Nigeria.” 

Speaking through its National Commissioner and Chairman Information for Voter Education, Festus Okeye, INEC said Uzoma, “worked closely with the Commission in the areas of election observation, constitutional and electoral reforms as well as in capacity building for staff of the Commission.”

It said, “Esther championed good causes and spent a considerable portion of her life fighting for a better society. The country has lost a courageous and vibrant civil society leader.

“The Commission commiserates with members of her immediate family, her friends and the civil society community for this irreparable loss. Esther Uzoma will be remembered for her commitment to a better Nigeria.” 

Earlier, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described Uzoma’s death as an “unimaginable loss to the nation”.

Onyejeocha said the deceased, “stood tall in the fight and the demand to bring to reality equality for Nigerian women, She took each day in stride, never always optimistic about growing others and making impact in treating gender based issues.”