Sen. Uche Chukwumereije (a.k.a Isi kara aka) passes on.

Senate Committee Chairman on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, is dead. He was 75.

Chukwumerije passed on on Sunday at the Turkish Hospital, Abuja, after a protracted battle with lung cancer. Until his death, he represented Abia North senatorial district in the Senate.

Read the statement from the family after the cut 

A statement issued on behalf of his family by his son, Che Chidi Chukwumerije, said the senator passed on in the presence of his family members.

The statement further said Chukwumerije lived a life of focus, dedication, integrity and discipline.

"On the evening of Sunday, the 19th of April, 2015, surrounded by his family, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije passed into the open arms of history and of our Lord Jesus Christ after a long but gallant battle with lung cancer.

"His life is in many volumes, which can only be told with care and time, of dedication and focus, integrity and discipline, and an unbroken love for the highest ideals of our shared humanity.

"Details of burial arrangments will be announced in due course. We ask only for your prayers and good wishes," the statement said.

Reacting to his death, the Senate described him as a political giant, an epitome of legislation and one of its most resourceful members.