- Atiku, Tambuwal, S’East govs unite for former VP
Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Anambra State now wears a new look in anticipation of the arrival of the remains of the former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, thursday.
Ekwueme’s body will arrive in the state from Enugu, THISDAY gathered, and would be received at the border town of Amansea, where Anambra State Government has given the pavilion a new look with paintings and extensive decoration.
When THISDAY moved round the state, it was learnt that besides the Enugu-Onitsha expressway which has also received palliative works, the Ekwueme Square, where a commendation ceremony would be held for the late politician, also looks new with tents adorning the arena, while also being lavishly decorated with the Nigerian colour-green and white colours.
Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, had earlier revealed that his government is lighting up the road from Amaokpala to Oko, Ekwueme’s community, while another would come from Awka through Nanka to Oko.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, had last weekend revealed that the federal government was not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring the success of the burial as it is also spending over N480million in the construction of various roads leading to the hometown of the former vice president.
The Chairman of that Local Organising Committee for the burial, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, who is also the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said in a briefing yesterday that final touches and meetings were being held to ensure a hitch-free burial on Thursday and Friday.
He said the committee was satisfied with the state’s level of preparation for the event, and commended the state government efforts in giving the late vice president the kind of burial he deserves.
A member of the burial committee and Transition Committee Chairman of Orumba North, Ekwueme’s council area, Mr. Emeka Offorka, said the committee was working day and night to ensure the success of the burial.
He commended Obiano for the spirit of love and respect he has shown in ensuring a befitting burial for Ekwueme .
According to him, “You can see that the environment in Awka, Oko and nearby communities have been beautified in readiness for the expected large number of dignitaries that will grace the event.â€
THISDAY also gathered that Obiano has also embarked on an independent inspection tour of all facilities being put in place for the burial.
Obiano reportedly said the facilities were 100 per cent complete, saying large tents that would accommodate over 25,000 persons who would attend the ceremony had been installed.
He described Ekwueme as an asset to the state, saying no amount spent to give him a befitting burial would be enough to repay his contributions towards the growth and development of the state and the country.
Meanwhile, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has described Ekwueme as a gentleman in Nigerian politics.
Soludo who was the paper presenter at a colloquium held in honour of Ekwueme last Tuesday afternoon at Federal Polytechnic Oko, said Ekwueme was a professional who in all his years in the public arena had verifiable and sustainable sources of livelihood and didn’t depend on public resources for survival.
Meanwhile, tributes flowed yesterday in torrents in honour of the late former vice president in Enugu as governors of the South-east states organised a commendation service for the late elder statesman.
The service which took place at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, attracted the presence of notable Nigerians, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; serving and former ministers, members of the national and state assemblies among other Igbo leaders.
The casket bearing the remains of Ekwueme was also laid at the square during the four-hour service with members of his family, including his widow, Beatrice; children and siblings, Prof. Laz and Prof. Obum, occupying one canopy adjacent to the casket.
Each of the leaders took turns to extol the sterling qualities the departed former vice president, chief among them were his selfless service, impeccable character, high integrity and exceptionally principled on issues about national development.
In his sermon, the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, described Ekwueme as a decent and humble man full of intellect and a dedicated leader that left wonderful imprints on the sands of time.
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said history will be kind to Ekwueme for his bravery in rallying the G-34 to challenge the military hegemony over Nigeria and joining forces with other pro-democracy activists to enthrone the democracy Nigeria enjoys today.
Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, said he would be remembered for his doggedness, while Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Dave Umahi of Ebonyi States said Ekweme was a unifying factor for Ndigbo.
Other speakers, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Nwodo; Deputy Governors of Anambra and Imo States, Nkem Okeke and Eze Madumere respectively, as well as Senator Victor Umeh, extolled the leadership credentials of Ekwueme.
“Ekwueme has made his contributions and has left, who else will bell the cat for Ndigbo? We shall miss him, and pray that God will give us another leader in his mould,†he Senator Umeh said.
