The Justice and Equity for Peace and Unity Initiative (JEPUN) has expressed deep grief over the demise of Mr Tony Uranta, its Executive Secretary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Uranta, 57, a prominent civil rights activist and Niger Delta chieftain, passed on Wednesday afternoon at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

In a statement signed on its behalf by Mr Charles Anyiam-Osigwe on Wednesday in Lagos, the group, made up of prominent Nigerians, described the death as sad.

“It is with grief in our hearts that we announce the passage of our brother, comrade and friend, Tony Ipriye Uranta (TIU).

“TIU passed on earlier today at LUTH where he had been admitted for treatment.

“He was a dogged fighter, a unifier and bridge-builder who believed firmly in justice, equity and fairness, and fought hard that this country may not fall apart.

“He’s gone now and we pray that the Lord most High comfort and provide for his family. May his comrades and friends hold on to the vision.

“We must in his honour ensure that our work endures and bears good fruit,” JEPUN stated.

It prayed for Uranta’s soul to rest in peace, and for God to grant his family, friends and relations the fortitude to bear the loss.

NAN reports that Uranta, a Niger Delta chieftain, was a member of the Federal Government’s Technical Committee on Niger Delta; Executive Secretary, Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Executive Secretary, United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS), Executive Secretary of the Nigeria National Summit Group (NNSG) among others.