Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, has announced the death of his first wife, Mrs. Ifeoma Kalu.

The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District confirmed the sad news on Monday April 3, 2023 in a statement on his Facebook page.

“With a heavy heart and pain, we announce the passing on to eternal glory of Mrs Ifeoma Ada Kalu, aged 61 years.

“She was a woman of virtue who was committed to the service of God and humanity.

“A memorial service in her honour is scheduled to be held in the United States of America (USA).

“Please remember her and loved ones in prayers at this difficult period.

“May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

Kalu married Ifeoma Ada Menakaya in December 1989 in his hometown of Igbere, Abia State.

He has four children namely Neya Uzor Kalu, Michael Uzor Kalu, Olivia Uzor Kalu and Nicole Uzor Kalu.

Kalu currently serves as the Chief Whip of the Senate. He was Abia State governor from 1999 to 2007.

A medical doctor, Ifeoma who is the daughter of late Prof Igwe and Mrs Menakaya was for the most part away from the limelight all through her husband’s tenure as Governor and was always in and out of the country and hospitals due to some sort of ill health.

It was rumoured that the former Governor’s mother, Eunice Kalu was responsible for her poor state of health.

With Ifeoma always in and out of Nigeria, the Governor’s mother more or less assumed the role of the first lady and Special Adviser.