Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, a human rights campaigner, has described the passing of prominent human rights activist Mr Tony Uranta, as saddening.

Okei-Odumakin, also the President of Women Arise, made this known in a condolence message on Wednesday in Lagos.

Uranta, 57, died on Wednesday afternoon at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital.

“We are so sad to hear of the passing-on of our comrade, Tony Uranta.

“It was unbelievable until we heard from his wife, Baarong .Now, we are reconciled with this huge loss.

“Our fervent plea and prayer was for full recovery, but Heavens decreed otherwise and we bow in gratitude,” she said.

Okei-Odumakin who described the deceased as being forthright, said his fortitude and the fire which accompanied his resolve would surely be missed.

She prayed Almighty God to uphold his devoted wife, Baarong and grant his family succor.

“May Tony finally find peace,” she prayed.

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, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria National Summit Group among others.

NAN