Labour Party Mourns Christian Chinonso Ananaba, Alleges Four-Day Neglect at FMC Before Death

What should have been a solemn farewell became a moment of grief, reflection and controversy in Amizi, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, as family members, church faithful and Labour Party supporters gathered to bury former Oloko Ward 1 Chairman, Mr. Christian Chinonso Ananaba. While mourners celebrated the life of a man remembered for his humility, dedication and service, party leaders also raised troubling allegations that he was left without medical attention for four days at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia—a claim they say they will formally pursue before the hospital’s management and Governor Alex Otti.

Christian Chinonso Ananaba, former Labour Party Chairman of Oloko Ward 1 in Abia State, was buried in Amizi as party leaders paid glowing tributes and alleged he was left unattended for four days at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia. The Labour Party says it will petition the hospital management and notify Governor Alex Otti over the allegations.

The Labour Party in Abia State has paid glowing tributes to its late Oloko Ward 1 Chairman, Mr. Christian Chinonso Ananaba, describing him as a loyal, committed and selfless party stalwart whose death has created a significant vacuum within the party.

Speaking shortly after the burial at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Amizi, in Ikwuano Local Government Area, a stakeholder of the Labour Party and Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) described the late Ananaba as one of Governor Alex Otti’s earliest and most steadfast political supporters, having remained loyal to the Governor’s political movement since 2014.

According to the stakeholder, Ananaba earned widespread respect for his humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Labour Party.

He explained that party leaders immediately rallied around the deceased after learning of his illness. According to him, Ananaba was taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, where several party leaders, including the member representing the constituency, Hon. Isienyi Boniface, closely monitored his condition and contributed funds to ensure he received quality medical care.

However, the stakeholder alleged that despite these efforts, the late ward chairman remained unattended for four days.

He further claimed that hospital officials later explained that they had been searching for the patient’s medical folder, while the family member accompanying the deceased allegedly failed to inform party leaders about the situation until after his death.

“We were only informed that he had died and that his body had already been deposited in the mortuary,” he said.

The stakeholder disclosed that the Labour Party would formally petition the management of the Federal Medical Centre over the alleged incident, expressing hope that similar situations would not occur again.

He also said the matter would be brought before Governor Alex Otti, stressing that allegations of delayed medical care at a major federal health institution deserved urgent attention.

“It is a very serious concern if a hospital of that magnitude cannot provide timely medical attention to patients,” he stated.

Expressing sympathy to the bereaved family, he noted that the late Ananaba was unmarried but had been making preparations for marriage before his untimely death.

“Our prayer is that such a tragedy will never happen again to this family or to any member of the Labour Party,” he added.

Addressing concerns that the deceased had not benefited from the party despite years of loyal service, the stakeholder acknowledged that many committed members were still awaiting recognition.

Nevertheless, he urged patience, explaining that the present administration inherited enormous challenges and was addressing them gradually.

He assured party faithful that both elected and appointed officials remained committed to rewarding loyalty.

“Our message to party faithful is to remain calm, patient and hopeful. We are committed to doing the needful very soon,” he said.

Responding to suggestions that the perceived neglect of loyal supporters could discourage political participation, he disagreed, insisting that the achievements of Governor Alex Otti’s administration would continue to inspire public confidence.

“I believe the people are happy with what this government is doing, and for that reason, they will continue to support His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti,” he added.

Priest Urges Faithful to Live Godly Lives

Earlier, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Bernard Onyike, prayed for God’s mercy upon the soul of the late Christian Chinonso Ananaba and asked God to grant him eternal rest.

In his homily, Fr. Onyike described the funeral of a young person as one that naturally provokes deep reflection.

“Such moments remind us of our relationship with God and the certainty of death,” he said.
He described the deceased as a kind, hardworking and selfless young man who served both the Church and his community wholeheartedly.

According to the priest, Ananaba’s life should challenge the living to renew their commitment to God because no one knows when death will come.

He lamented that the late Labour Party chairman was deeply loved by many.

“If we begin to recount all his good deeds, many would wish that death had taken someone else instead of Chinonso,” he said.

The priest reminded the congregation that death is inevitable and urged everyone to prepare spiritually.

He encouraged Christians to pursue righteousness, holiness and obedience to God’s will while rejecting hatred, anger, malice and every form of ungodliness.

The Parish Priest also described Ananaba as a dependable young man who faithfully carried out every responsibility entrusted to him.

He urged the deceased’s mother to remain strong and encouraged everyone to live lives worthy of positive remembrance.

Mayor Pays Tribute

Also speaking, the Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Mr. Anthony Nwaubani, said he was deeply saddened by Ananaba’s death.

According to him, he was unaware that the late ward chairman had been ill and only learnt of the situation after his passing.

He described Ananaba as an honest, patient and dedicated young man who served his community, the Church and the Labour Party with distinction.

The mayor said the late party chairman left behind a legacy of integrity, humility and faithful service that should inspire others.