Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, joined by Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to receive the remains of former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday, as part of the last respects by the Federal Government for him.
Osinbajo, in his speech, said the late former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekueme, was committed to the unity of Nigeria throughout his lifetime.
He expressed the hope that the death of Ekwueme would not only encourage Nigerians but cement the relationship among all of the peoples and nationalities in the country.
Osinbajo said: ‘’when he was asked what his vision was for the country, he said, ‘I would want to see Nigeria to be a nation, not just a country.’
“Those words tell us how committed he was to the unity of this country.
‘’And I pray that in death and as we remember him, this would not only encourage us but also cement the relationship between all of the peoples and nationalities of this country so that we could become and remain one.
“We are reminded of his commitment to timeless ideals of integrity, of loyalty and of kindness to all. We thank the almighty God for giving us 85 years life of Dr Ekwueme.
“We thank the almighty God for his family and all us who he has left behind and we pray that his great wishes for this nation and all that he sacrificed for will not be in vain,’’ he said.
Osinbajo later handed over the remains of the late former vice-president to the family, represented by his son, Mr Goodheart Ekwueme, at 12:40 p.m.
The body departed for Enugu in an Air Force plane in the company of his family members at 1:30 p.m.
Dr Emma Okeke, the Deputy Governor of Anambra, in an interview, urged current political leaders in Nigeria to learn from the steadfastness and outstanding qualities of Ekwueme.
He described Ekwueme as a man who always stood for what he believed in.
He said that the state government would think of immortalising the late Ekwueme after his burial, adding that the governor would decide that at the appropriate moment.
“Talking about immortalising, that is what the governor would decide when the time is ripe because you can only talk of immortalising after he is being buried.
“What is happening here today is a result of the kind of person Ekwueme was,’’ he said.
Dr Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, said Ekwueme was a man who, in spite of his personal achievements, remained focused on his political career without compromise.
Ngige said that the late Ekwueme became the first democratically elected vice-president of Nigeria through resilience and selfless service.
“That shows his resilience but he is a man who doesn’t believe in a corrupt system to succeed because he never gave money to delegates and he never gave bribe.
“When he left power, the tribunal that was set up said they found him a poorer man after leaving government than when he came to government.
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“And to expect more from him is to expect angels to come down.
“He was my political master and I found him a fit and proper person and a proper politician to learn the trade from and I learnt accountability, honesty, fair-play, justice and equity,’’ he said.
Also, Chief Jim Nwobodo, a former Gov. of old Anambra, said that the late former vice- president was humble, steadfast, courageous and had interest in Nigeria.
Nwobodo said Ekwueme believed so much in one Nigeria, not as a country, but as a nation which showed his interest in Nigeria.
“I think we should use the honour given to him to see Nigeria as one united nation and not a divided country,’’ he said.
Police assures tight security in Enugu
The Police Command in Enugu State has assured that there would be tight security in the state ahead of the commendation service and service of songs in honour of late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme on Jan. 30.
Ekwueme died on Nov. 19, 2017, at a London hospital after a brief illness.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ebere Amaraizu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu that strategies had been mapped out for hitch-free events in the state.
Amaraizu said the police in conjunction with other security agencies had put in place effective and robust security mechanism, especially around hotels and venues of the events.
He added that “police is leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety before, during and after the service of songs and commendation service for the late former vice president.
“We made an elaborate plan to ensure the security of lives and property throughout the events.
“We are partnering with sister security agencies to provide us with more men and specialities in specific areas.
“So, I am assuring visitors and friends coming to pay their last respect to our dear father and former vice president to feel at home as police and other security agencies have them covered and protected.”
The PPRO urged residents of Enugu to promptly report any suspicious person, movement or object found in their neighbourhood to the nearest police personnel or station for prompt intervention.
Enugu wears new look for his burial
Enugu City centre is currently wearing a new look, following a massive clean-up toward the burial of a former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.
Ekwueme died on Nov.19 at a London hospital in the UK.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the presidential committee for the burial had slated a service of songs for the deceased at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd at Independent Layout in Enugu on Jan. 30.
On Jan. 31, there will be South-East Zonal Commendation Ceremony at Okpara Square in Enugu by 0 a.m.
A NAN correspondent covering the burial activities observed that grasses in green areas of the Enugu metropolis have been pruned.
Trees with out-grown trunks and branches have also been trimmed to beautify the Coal City.
Okpara Square has also been re-painted while the lighting facilities have been restored.
The compound of the Good Shepherd Cathedral Church has also been given comprehensive cleaning, ahead of the service of songs for the late political icon.
Meanwhile, the Enugu residence of the former vice-president is already wearing a new look with a total clean-up of facilities.
Buildings within the vicinity of Ekwueme’s house had all been repainted to make the area beautiful.
A total of 391 people have signed the condolence register so far.
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