JUST IN: Senator Nwoye Appoints ADC Candidate, Widow of Slain Lawmaker, as Senior Special Adviser

Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial Zone, has appointed Mrs. Justina Azuka, widow of slain lawmaker Justice Azuka, as his Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties. The appointment comes less than 24 hours after she narrowly lost her bid to succeed her late husband in the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election.

Mrs. Azuka, who contested under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was defeated by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Mimih Ifeoma Azikiwe, in Sunday’s poll. Justice Azuka, her late husband, previously held the seat before he was kidnapped and later killed.

Sources revealed that her candidacy was intended to empower her to raise the three children left behind by her husband. With her electoral loss, Senator Nwoye swiftly offered her an appointment, which comes with a salary of N200,000. A photo circulating online shows the senator presenting her with the appointment letter, a move he later confirmed.

The decision has drawn commendation across Anambra, with many praising Nwoye for his show of empathy. Commenting on the development, Mr. Peter Mmeagana, an indigene of the state, lauded the senator’s action. “What Tony Nwoye has done is the empathy which many politicians in Nigeria lack. The idea of fielding her to replace her husband was the best, but you see how vehemently opposition came after the poor widow. At least with what she has now, she can keep her family,” he said.

The appointment is being hailed as a gesture that not only cushions the family’s loss but also ensures that Mrs. Azuka has the means to continue caring for her children.