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Tag: Ekwueme

  • Ekwueme helped stabilized PDP in its trying times – Atiku

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has said the late former Vice President and elder statesman, Dr. Alex Ekwueme helped stabilized the then ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in times of crisis when it was in power.

    Atiku said this on Sunday at the Evening of Tributes in Memory of late sage at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    Recall that the late elder statesman was one of the founding fathers of the party.

    Read full tribute below:

    A Tribute To Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme (Ide) (1932-2017)

    By Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Evening of Tributes in Memory of late Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    28 January, 2018.

    Protocol:

    It is with a great deal of shock and disbelief that I learnt of the sudden transition to eternal glory of Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, GCON, a former Vice President of Nigeria and someone who could rightly be said to be one of the great leaders and founders of the democracy we have enjoyed in Nigeria since 1999.

    In every ramification, Dr. Ekwueme was a great man and one of those who truly loves Nigeria. Between 1998 and 1999, he labored hard mobilizing other patriotic Nigerians to found the largest political party in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which went on to win the 1999 presidential election and ushered in the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration with my humble self as the Vice President

    It should be noted that the efforts put into national mobilization and party building made it possible for the then military administration in Nigeria to hand over power to a civilian government. This is because the country’s political leadership, under the direction and guidance of late Dr. Ekwueme, late Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and others, presented a united and disciplined group that genuinely represented and mirrored the political aspirations and readiness of Nigerians for democratic rule.

    Though Dr. Ekwueme contested for the presidential ticket of the PDP for the 1999 presidential election and lost, he was never for once a bitter man. It can be said without contradiction, that there are few Nigerian politicians of the mould of late Dr. Ekwueme who play politics without bitterness in a clime such as ours where reckless political deals and betrayals tend to be common.

    Whenever there were problems in the then ruling party, the PDP until 2015, and there were many instances, it was always to the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme that the PDP and most political leaders in the country reverted to seek solution. And the late Statesman, popularly known as Ide by his admirers following his traditional title, always delivered and ensured that the problems were nipped in the bud.

    I wish to recall that long before his advent in the PDP, Dr Ekwueme, had played a crucial role in the formation and government of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and its success in the democratic process in Nigeria.

    Dr. Alex Ekwueme is a man that Nigerians, and indeed the world will always remember. He was a very accomplished person and a philosopher of good standing. His pursuit of education and scholarship was legendary and helped in shaping the colossus that he eventually became. He showed these traits at the 1994 National Constitutional Conference held in Abuja, to fashion a new Constitution for Nigeria in order to prepare the country for a return to civil rule. Ekwueme deeply reflected on the problems of Nigeria and how the country can be made to work for the good of all its citizens by putting in place a convenient political structure. As a result of his great learning and easy grasp of issues as well as his honesty, integrity and reliability, his quarters at the Constitutional Conference venue became a Mecca of sorts. There delegates representing other parts of the country sought his audience and input before they made their presentations.

    It was at that 1994 Constitutional Conference, where I was among the delegates representing Adamawa State, that the astute and cerebral Ekwueme proposed the idea of restructuring the country along geo-political lines. The six geo-political zones, which he proposed and was later adopted by all delegates, is currently in use by all Nigerians as a convenient way to easily capture and categorize the 36 States and the FCT, into which Nigeria is divided.

    Suffice it to say that late Dr. Alex Ekwueme was a man of many parts, the likes of whom are very rare and the type that societies that crave for progress and development, hanker after. He unequivocally can be referred to as one of the best presidents that Nigeria never had, bearing in mind that on about three occasions beginning from 1999, the great Ide sought to govern his beloved country.

    Dr. Alex Ekwueme is one man who leaves anyone he has met with a good and lasting impression the way he has left a lasting impression and indelible footprints in Nigerian politics and society. He will undoubtedly be sorely missed especially at a time like this when many issues on which he stood and fought, including national integration and a viable and genuine federal structure, remain unresolved. In fact, one way to immortalize this great politician and Statesman would be for all Nigerians to visit, in good faith, the issue of political restructuring and devolution of powers which the great Alex stood for before his sudden death. I believe this will make him turn with joy where he is and bless the country.

    With his demise at the ripe age of 85, all those who knew him, should be consoled that he lived a good, worthy and productive life in the service of his country.

    I extend my heartfelt condolences to his beautiful family which he loved very much, the good people of Oko and Anambra State and the fraternity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    As we mourn the passing of this great son of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, just as we mourned some other great Nigerians before him, I pray that the Almighty God continues to raise for the country, wise and responsible men and women of vision, honesty and integrity who will take the nation on the right path of progress and development. And may Nigerians also have the good fortune to recognize these quality persons to make good use of them while they are alive.

  • Ekwueme’s body to arrive in Enugu today for final rites

    The body of Second Republic Vice President Alex Ekwueme will arrive Enugu today.

    It will be brought in from Abuja where it was kept since its arrival from London where Ekwueme died in December.

    Governors of the southeast, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other categories of people are expected to turn up at the Akanu Ibiam Airport to welcome the body.

    Programmes line up include a service of songs tomorrow and a commendation service on Wednesday in Enugu.

    The body will depart for his hometown, Oko, Anambra State on Thursday ahead of Friday’s interment.

    Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige inspected the progress of work on road being fixed and other aspects ahead of the programme.

    He said the Federal Government had committed a handsome amount of money on the burial.

    The expenditure is on fixing the Agulu-Nanka -Oko road , Nnobi, Nnewi roads among others.

    There is also the building of the tomb, hospital bills, flight of the body, procurement of the casket, among other things.

    While inspecting the progress of work yesterday in Oko and Agulu communities in Anambra State, Ngige, said: “Buhari has done some unusual things and he has tried to make Ekwueme’s burial the best and what he is doing today in Anambra State, he has never done to any former vice president.”

  • Buhari has released over N1bn to give Ekwueme befitting burial – Ngige

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has said the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government is committed to giving a former Vice President, late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, a befitting burial.

    Ngige spoke on Sunday at Ekwueme’s hometown in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State after inspecting facilities for the burial of the late VP.

    He said Buhari had committed about N1bn on Ekwueme from the day the Federal Government took over his medical bills to date.

    While saying that road rehabilitation alone in Anambra State and neighbouring communities of Imo and Abia states in preparation for Ekwueme’s burial had gulped about N480m, Ngige said Federal Government was not leaving anything to chances in ensuring that the Ekwueme family enjoys the role their late patriarch played in building a better Nigeria

    He said, “You know that I belong to the Ekwueme family; I’m part of that family.

    “I’m in various committees and subcommittees for the burial of this great statesman. I can tell you authoritatively that Mr President (Buhari) is committed and passionate in ensuring a befitting burial for Ekwueme.

    “If he doesn’t come for the burial himself, I’m sure the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will be here for the burial as a matter of right.

    “So, I’m here to inspect the facilities in preparation for his burial; and I can tell you that I’m satisfied with the progress of work.

    “The Federal Government is doing rehabilitation works on Amawbia/Ekwulobia road, up to Uga and Akokwa in Imo State.

    “We’re also doing road rehabilitation on Oko/Umunze road up to Ibinta in Abia State.

    “I know the cost of all this, not less than N480m.

    “The Federal Government is building the mausoleum, which will contain a modern library and other facilities and I also know the cost of that too.

    “And remember that the Federal Government took up all the medical bills of flying him abroad and bringing him back to Nigeria from London upon his death.

    The former Vice President died on Sunday, November 19 in a London hospital.

    He will be buried in his hometown Oko, Anambra State on February 2.

     

  • Ambode, Fashola, Alakija others extol Ekwueme

    Governors of Ogun and Lagos States; Ibikunle Amosun and Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday paid tributes to Nigeria’s first elected Vice President, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme during the commendation service held in his honour in Lagos.

    The service was held at the Cathedral Church of God, Marina and the ‘Evening of Tributes and Music’ at the Muson Centre, Lagos Island.

    Ambode described Ekwueme, who died in London last November 19 aged 85, as “a leader among leaders.

    He said Ekwueme was “a well respected elder statesman who carried himself with dignity and exuded knowledge, experience and maturity.”

    Ambode noted the “exemplary patriotic roles” played by Ekwueme.

    He said: “Significantly, his answer to the still-problematic National Question grabbed public attention in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country searching for unity, stability and an equitable power-sharing formula.

    “Dr. Ekwueme had proposed six geopolitical zones as the federating units that would rotationally produce a five-year single-term presidency. The six geopolitical zones are Northwest, Northeast, North central, Southwest, Southeast and South-south.”

    “There is no doubt that Dr. Ekwueme was a creative political thinker. Although his novel proposal during the 1994-1995 National Constitutional Conference (NCC) that produced the 1999 Nigerian Constitution was not formally included in the constitution, it is to his credit that the idea of six geopolitical zones has been informally embraced and today informs aspects of governance in the country. In this respect, his contribution to the country’s political evolution has an enduring quality.”

    Former governor of Lagos State and Minister of Power and Housing Babatunde Fashola, who paid his tributes via a video interview said Ekwueme was “a truly great man.”

    He recommended Ekwueme’s credibility and high values as worth emulating.

    Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi described Ekwueme as a nationalist and urged other politicians to emulate him.

    Former Secretary-General of Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku said: “He was not a typical leader. He left a legacy of diligence, hardwork.”

    Alhaji Lateef Okunnu SAN, Ekwueme’s former school mate at King’s College, Lagos, said Ekwueme would have made Nigeria great if he had become President.

    Africa’s richest women, Mrs Alakija also recalled Ekwueme’s brilliance.

    She said: “He was extremely sharp and would always recognise anyone who was sharp. He loved dancing. He would dance and dance.”

    Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo, the Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), described the late former Vice President as a selfless and God fearing Nigerian statesman.

    He said: “We cannot compare him to the politicians of today as he single-handedly supervised the construction of Oko Comprehensive Secondary School, among many things he did, he spent his money for the good and benefits of Nigerians.

    Ekwueme will be buried in his hometown Oko, Anambra State on February 2.

     

  • Ekwueme’s funeral rites commence today

    The final funeral rites for former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme will begin in Lagos on Friday (today).

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who chairs the National Burial Committee, said this during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

    Mustapha, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief Chris Ngige, spoke with journalists at the end of the last meeting of the committee.

    He said the about one month-long burial programme would start on Friday with a memorial service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos at 2pm and an evening of tribute and music slated for 5pm.

    Activities will also hold in London, Abuja, Enugu and Awka. The high point will be the funeral service at the St. John the Divine Church, Oko, Anambra State on February 2.

    He said the outing service, which would be the last item in the programme, would hold in the same church on February 11.

    Ngige said, “The death of Alex Ekwueme is indeed a painful loss, not only to his family but to our great nation, Nigeria.

    “His life was dedicated to the service of our beloved country, Nigeria. And as the military tribunal panel stated after he and other leaders were detained as a result of the Nigerian military coup d’etat that sacked the civilian government of December 31, 1983, ‘Dr Ekwueme had left politics much poorer than he was when he entered it.”

    He said the Federal Government and the South-East states governments would be involved in the ceremony.

    “As we mourn his painful demise with utmost sympathy to the bereaved family, let me also use this medium to assure you that the federal and South-East governments will be adequately represented at the final funeral rites.

    “We also urge all individuals and professional groups whose lives and interests were touched in one way or the other by our departed statesman, to be part of the burial ceremonies, as we pay the late Dr Alex Ekwueme our last respects,” he said.

    Other programmes for the burial as released by the burial committee include a memorial service to be held at the St. Marylebone Parish Church, London, W1 on Saturday; another evening of tribute scheduled to hold on January 28 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja; and a parade of honour on January 29 at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Thereafter, his body will be taken to Enugu and received by the South-East governors at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

    According the the programme, on January 30, there will be a service of songs at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Independence Layout, Enugu; while the South-East zone commendation ceremonies will hold at Okpara Square on January 31.

  • Obiano sets up planning committee for Ekwueme’s burial

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has set up a 22-member committee for the burial of Nigeria’s first Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    According to the governor, the committee which is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, is constituted to complement the other set up by the Federal Government.

    Obiano asked members of the committee to ensure that they plan a befitting burial for the former vice president.

    He also directed them to work as a sub-committee to the one set up by the Federal Government and also chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

    “This is a very important committee being set up to plan and, of course, give a befitting burial to our elder statesman that died, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekewueme.

    “This committee is going to be a sub-committee to the Federal Government committee being chaired by the SGF. I have spoken with him and your plans here will inform the kinds of things they are going to do.”

    In his response, Professor Chukwulobelu said it was a great honour for the members to be found worthy to serve in the committee.

    He also assured the governor that the committee would work hard to deliver on its mandate by planning a befitting burial for the elder statesman.

  • Jonathan congratulates Ekwueme at 85

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated with Second Republic Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, on his 85th birthday.

    Jonathan, in a letter of goodwill to Ekwueme, described him as a blessing to the nation.

    In a statement by his aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan also described the former Vice President as a democrat who laid the foundation for urbane and inclusive disposition to governance.

    He said: ”Your commitment and worthy contributions over the years have been pivotal to the mileage attained towards deepening our democracy and strengthening the pillars upon which our nation rests.

    “May God keep and protect you to enable you continue with your selfless service to our dear nation.”