The Imo State governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim has commiserated with the family of late Senator Francis Ellah of Rivers State.

Commenting on the timeless contributions of the Senator, the governor described Chief Francis Ellah as a true Igbo son who was committed not only to his Igbo roots but also to advancing its unification and interests.
He acknowledged his active participation in the national political arena where he served as federal minister even as he was nominated by Ohaneze to attend the 2005 National Political Reform Conference in Abuja.

Chief Ohakim noted that credit should be given to the Ogba chief as the original proponent of what today is called resource control in the country.

He lauded his impressive attributes as a great Igbo son, a true bridge builder and fearless progenitor of the Igbo tradition and used the opportunity to call on the frontliners in the Igbo nation to emulate and internalize the leadership virtues of the late senator.

The governor prayed God to grant his family, friends and Rivers State the fortitude to bear the loss.
The late senator who hails from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers State was reported to have died on the 23rd of April, 2008 at 80 years of age.