Oko stoodstill for Ekwueme as Nigerians gather

www.odogwublog.com reports that hundreds of people across Nigeria led by President Muhammadu Buhari gathered today at St John’s Anglican Church , Oko Orumba North council area to pay their last respect for the former Vice President , Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme.

Ekwueme funeral service is ongoing and details of who and who shall get to you soonest………………………….

Meanwhile,  Anambra state yesterday literarily stood still for former Nigeria Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme as the state government declared a public holiday for civil servants to take part in the commemoration service which held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Park, Awka.

The traders in the state under the auspices of Almagamated Market Traders Association of Anambra state(AMATAS) headed by Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo also ensured that all markets in the state were closed so that the business class can also be part of the service.

The Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese Most Rev Alex Ibezim in sermon titled 'What is your life' during the service urged Nigerians to emulate the good virtues of the former Vice President of Nigeria in the Second Republic Dr Alex Ekwueme.

Most Rev Ibezim noted that Nigeria has lost an elderly statesman and that it would be difficult to find a man who will fit into the big shoes left behind by the late sage.

"Who will counsel Ndigbo when the need arises and what is life all about? "We should emulate Ekwueme's life, study his political character, the great son Igboland is not the type that pulls people down." He reasoned.

Bishop Ibezim pointed out that most of the elders in the country today are no longer interested in caring for the young generation, saying that if Ekwueme had not done well, people wouldn't have gathered to celebrate him.

"His death reminds us that life is a journey and today Alex has journeyed into Anambra for his last resting place at Oko"

The prelate however urged those in attendance to embrace and emulate Jesus Christ so as to  be saved and make heaven after the brief sojourn on earth.

The Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngigr in his speech called for unity among politicians in the south East for further developmemt of the area.

Ngige who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the occasion lamented that politicians in the zone have not been fair to the deceased elderstateman, stressing that they have betrayed him in many occasioned especially in his state.

He recalled that when he vied for the PDP Presidential ticket, the party members from the Igbo caucus worked against his candidature creating opportunity for his opponent from the South West Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to emerge victorious.

Anambra state Governor,Dr Willie Obiano also paid a glowing tribute to Dr Alex Ekwueme, praying for a repose of the gentle soul of the departed elderstateman.

Other eminent  personalities present during the commemoration service included Anambra state deputy governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, former governors of the state, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the National Secretary of PDP, Senator Ben NdiObi, former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof Chukwuma Soloudo, Senators Ike Nwachukwu, ,Ken Nnamani, Andy Ubah, Victor Umeh, many clergy men,traditional rulers and top government officials.

The commendation service held for the deceased was organised by Anambra state government at Alex Ekwueme Square Awka.