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.
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