It was tributes galore at Michael Okpara Square, Independent Layout Enugu during an Inter-denominational Commendation Service held in honour of the departed former Vice President of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, described the late former Vice President and founding father of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a leading light that showed others the way.
Governor Ikpeazu assured the mammoth crowd of people, drawn from the South East Region and beyond, that Abia people will copy the good virtues of the late Chief Ekwueme whom he said would be remembered as a great scholar and astute professional, who contributed immensely to the unity of Nigeria and prayed that his soul would rest in the bosom of the Lord.
In their various tributes, the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Deputy Governors of Anambra and Imo State as well as the President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, eulogized the sterling qualities of the late Architect and Politician.
They stated that late Dr. Ekwueme was an icon of great repute and a consummate political leader who lived a life worthy of emulation and assured that his legacies would remain.
In a sermon, the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, called on all to get prepared for eternal life.
He said Nigeria needs people like Alex Ekwueme, who was known for his decency, accountability and patriotic zeal in serving Nigeria.
Archbishop Chukwuma, who preached on the topic, “How Prepared Are You?” urged politicians to play politics without bitterness and think of what legacies they would bequeath to the next generation.
Arch Bishop Chukwuma used the occasion to condemn the recent plan of the federal government to establish cattle colonies in parts of the country, stating that cattle rearing should be a private business.
Responding on behalf of the bereaved family, the younger brother of the deceased, Prof. Laz Ekwueme thanked the South East Governors Forum for organizing the ceremony.
He also appreciated people who came to identify with them in their time of grief and said their brother and father left a monumental standard behind for them and promised to ensure they would live up to expectation.
Dignitaries at the event include Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto.
Members of the Abia State Executive Council joined Governor Ikpeazu and members of the National Assembly continent from the state, Including Senator T A Orji and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe to attend the Service.
