Tributes as Atiku, Tambuwal, S'East Govs Unite for former VP, As Ministering Bishop Bitterly Criticizes, Warns Politicians

Tributes flowed on Wednesday in torrents in honour of the late Second Republic Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, in Enugu as governors of the South-east states organised a commendation service for the late elder statesman.

The service which took place at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, attracted the presence of notable Nigerians, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; serving and former ministers, members of the national and state assemblies among other Igbo leaders.

The casket bearing the remains of Ekwueme was also laid at the square during the four-hour service with members of his family, including his widow, Beatrice; children and siblings, Prof Laz and Prof Obum, occupying one canopy adjacent to the casket.

Each of the leaders took turns to extol the sterling qualities the departed former vice president, chief among them were his selfless service, impeccable character, high integrity and exceptionally principled on issues about national development.

In his sermon, the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, described Ekwueme as a decent and humble man full of intellect and a dedicated leader that left wonderful imprints on the sands of time.

He however used the opportunity to counsel Nigerian politicians on the need to quit the scene when the ovation is high, insisting that any politician above 65 years should not desire to be the country's president by 2019, a statement which ultimately ruled out President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku out of the race.

"We need a new Nigeria and this new Nigeria requires people with new ideas not those whose time (ideas) has expired; we cannot continue to put new wine in an old wine skin. All those up to 70 years should retire and become consultants," he said.

Chukwuma who titled his message ‘How prepared are you?’ Said Ekwueme succeeded in putting his life in order before his death, insisting that the efforts that were made to keep him alive by both the federal government and South-east state governors who flew him abroad were not endorsed by the late former vice president.

"Ekwueme, from the day he slumped, would not have accepted to be flown abroad if he were in charge of his life at that point, but there was nothing he could do. It’s actually a shame to Nigeria that influential men cannot be treated in Nigeria. It's a disgrace that we don't even have Panadol in the State House clinic, and that's where the anti-corruption fight should begin," he said.

While extolling the regional governors for joining hands to give Ekwueme a befitting burial, Chukwuma also commended the federal government for its contributions.

According to him, "I am glad that President Buhari sent his tribute where he said good things about Ekwueme. Let him also remember that he put Ekwueme into jail 32 years ago while President Shehu Shagari enjoyed house arrest, and 32 years after, the same Ekwueme died while he (Buhari) is the president."

On the farmers/herdsmen clashes in the country, The clergyman asked governors of the zone to reject any demand for cattle colony in the region, while also insisting on the restructuring of the country as recommended by Ekwueme.

"Today, Ekwueme is gone. Ojukwu is gone and Azikiwe is gone too. Who will replace them? Our leaders must live  a life of selflessness; you must unite the Igbos and always speak for us," he said.

Chukwuma asked the National Assembly to initiate a law banning defection by politicians, stating that the trend had become a major threat to the country's democracy.

In his tribute, Tambuwal said Nigeria had lost one of its best in the demise of Ekwueme, while Atiku said Ekwueme left when his wise counsel had become imperative for the country.

"We both served in the constitutional conference in 1994/95 that crafted our present constitution. He was a fountain of wisdom, intellect and the rallying point then. I was one of those who opposed his recommendation that Nigeria should be restructured along six zones but I later became his convert," he said.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said history will be kind to Ekwueme for his bravery in rallying the G-34 to challenge the military hegemony over Nigeria and joining forces with other pro-democracy activists to enthrone the democracy Nigeria enjoys today.

According to him, "Ide exhibited uncommon political selflessness, equanimity and sportsmanship at a critical point in the country’s quest for democratic rule. Truth be told, not many would lose the presidential ticket of a political party they laboured so hard to build and keep their cool. But, whereas many expected him to bring down the roof over the loss of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket, he instead congratulated Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, worked for his success at the polls and remained a loyal party man till death.”

“He foresaw the many challenges bedeviling the country today. Unfortunately, his timely suggestions such as restructuring, single term and rotational presidency are yet to be heeded to save Nigeria from the social, economic, and political mires. Indeed, his farsightedness underlines the words of our fathers that what an elder sees sitting down, the child may never fathom even if such a child perches on the peak of the Iroko tree.”

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, said he would be remembered for his doggedness, while Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Dave Umahi of Ebonyi States said Ekweme was a unifying factor for Ndigbo.

Other speakers, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Nwodo; Deputy Governors of Anambra and Imo States, Nkem Okeke and Eze Madumere respectively, as well as Senator Victor Umeh, extolled the leadership credentials of Ekwueme.

"Ekwueme has made his contributions and has left, who else will bell the cat for Ndigbo? We shall miss him, and pray that God will give us another leader in his mould," he Senator Umeh said.