Atiku, Wike, Saraki, Ohanaeze, others mourn late VP Ekwueme

 

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has mourned the passing of Dr Alex Ekwueme, describing the former vice president as a good man.

Atiku gave his reaction via his Twitter account on Monday.

“Saddened by the passing of Dr Alex Ekwueme, our former Vice President. He was a man of character and never faltered in his belief in Nigeria”, he said.

Similarly, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has commiserated with Nigerians, the government, people of Anambra State and the family of the deceased,

The governor, who described Ekwueme as an outstanding democrat, compassionate leader, true patriot and exemplary statesman, said he would be missed by all lovers of democracy and development.

While extending his deepest condolences to Nigerians, Wike, in a statement by his spokesman, Simeon Nwakaudu, prayed God “to grant the family of the former Vice President the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Senate president Bukola Saraki has expressed sadness on the passing of former vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme. He applauded the deceased for his contribution to development of Nigeria.

“Today, I join Ndigbo and the entire nation to mourn the passing of one of Nigeria’s most illustrious sons, H.E. Dr. Alex Ekwueme, our first elected Vice-President.

“As we mourn his death, we celebrate his dedication and service to the development of our country.

“I will always remember Dr. Alex Ekwueme for his exemplary courage in the face of overwhelming odds – when he stood up to past military regimes, and his dexterity in his personal pursuits as a successful architect, lawyer, businessman and philanthropist.

“I pray for God’s strength for Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s family at this difficult time.

“May the Almighty in His infinite wisdom and grace continue to guide the family and the nation that he has left behind. He was a rare man and a great leader, as such, he will be missed.”

Similarly, Igbo socio-political and cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze, has described Ekwueme as an outstanding patriot whose contributions to the country’s socio-political evolution would be indelible.

President General of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, in a statement, said the country has lost one of the foremost advocates of a restructured federation.

“As Vice President Dr Ekwueme was intellectually forthright, engaging, loyal and outstandingly patriotic.

“As a politician he was courageous and original in his ideas.

Ndigbo have lost a genius, a father and an intellectual giant”, he said.

The Ohanaeze leader further commiserated with his immediate family, friends, associates and Nigeria for the huge loss.

He, however, appealed to the Nigeria government to immortalise Ekwueme.