CLERIC CALLS ON NIGERIA LEADERS TO EMULATE DR ALEX EKWUEME ON SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE NATION

Leaders in the country are urged to emulate the selfless leadership qualities of the first elected vice President, the late Doctor Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, shun politics of bitterness and rancour.

The Archbishop, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, The Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma gave the advice during the an interdenominational commendation service in his honour in Enugu.

The commendation service, which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, was organised by the southeast governor’s forum to pay last respect to the icon of   Ndigbo who contributed a lot to the development of the nation.

In a sermon at Michael Okpara square, venue of the event, the Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma reminded those present that everyone give account of their stewardship on earth, and urged them to live an exemplary life.

In their tributes, the Chairman Southeast Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, the Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and that of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu described Doctor Ekwueme, as a fountain of wisdom whose leadership skills transcended his peers.

The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Doctor Nkem Okeke and his counterpart in Imo State, Mr. Eze Madumere who represented their governors further poured encomiums on Doctor Ekwueme for his landmark achievements and enjoined Ndigbo to emulate his doggedness.

The President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief NniaNwodo also described Doctor Ekwueme as the voice of Ndigbo and advised Nigerian leaders to endeavour to impact positively on the lives of the people.

It was however, not an all Igbo affair as other notable Nigerians were in attendance to eulogize the man they described as a beacon of equity and fairness.

The Governor of Sokoto State, AlhajiAminuTambuwal lamented that the country had lost a true democrat and patriot while a former Vice President AlhajiAtikuAbubakar said Ekwueme’s death was a great loss.

For the Deputy President of the Senate, senator Ike Ekweremadu, Dr Alex Ekwueme was a legend who embedded his footprint on the sands of time.

The younger brother of the deceased Professor Obunaeme Ekwueme thanked all those who shared in their grief and prayed God to provide the nation and Ndigbo with another leader who would fill the vacuum created by his late brother.

The event got charged with the Halleluiah chorus from LazEkwueme’s choral group.

Former Governor James Ibori of Delta State members of the National and State Assemblies, various party stalwarts, Umuada Igbo in diaspora group who performed the traditional laying of cloth on the casket.

NNEKA UGWUANYI AND CHUKWUMA EZEOGU