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Tag: Alex Ekwueme

  • Alex Ekwueme: A culture architect

    Alex Ekwueme: A culture architect

    T AFAS Art Gallery  founder, Chief Timothy Adebanjo Fasuyi, has described former Vice-President Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, who died in London on November 19, as a thorough-bred man.

    He recalled that the late politician designed most of the Federal Government Colleges in the 70s that have designs, such as octagon shape complex.

    He said the late politician nicknamed him Principal No because of my strict and principled approach to issues while serving as Principal, Federal Government College Enugu.

    “In 1975, when I was principal at Federal Government College, Enugu, many of the facilities were not ready.  At that time, Dr. Alex Ekwueme had just completed his twin-duplex at Enugu.  I lived in one of them, while he lived in the other. We developed some friendship and we shared same security guards, was her man, post-man, among others. He always had lots of mails because he was always reading and he had about five degrees in different disciplines.  He was not the hostile type of landlord. I learnt lots from him about humility.

    “He was a professional architect and he was very much involved in the construction of Federal Government Colleges. He was very educated and could talk on any subject. He was a gentle straight forward man.When he makes a request for help from you, he would not hold it against you if you could not help him.

    ‘’However, the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) underutilised his capabilities. He was simply ceremonial, maybe he was not the typical Nigerian politician. But he was a founding member of the party,” he added.

    According to him, Ekwueme was very friendly and had lots of friends as lecturers at the University of Nigeria, and when he was Vice President, “I had his direct line and we related well. He believed in the traditions and culture of his people. He was a man worthy of emulation. When I left service, I was following his life style in politics and each time I had reason to talk to him, I do so.”

     

  • NCC gives out N17m to winners of tennis championship

    NCC gives out N17m to winners of tennis championship

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given out N17 million to winners of its Tennis Cup 2017 competition.

    The Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said at the grand finale of the tournament in Lagos that the competition had given the commission satisfaction and fulfillment. The tournament which started in July featured 12 teams.

    Team Civil Defence defeated Muller 4 – 0, to win the NCC’s Tennis Cup 2017 competition, hence, carting the star prize of N7million.

    Team Muller came second, and went home with N5 million, Team Offikwu won the third prize of N3 million, while Team Ndoma-Egba came fourth, winning N2 million cash prize.

    Danbatta represented by the Director, Research and Development, NCC, Mrs Iyabo Sholanke, said that the championship had been dubbed the greatest and biggest addition to Nigeria’s sports since 1960.

    “We are proud to have used this opportunity to engage a number of Nigerian youths in very fruitful and engaging enterprise with a bright future outlook.

    “We are even prouder to have taken quality tennis to different locations in the country and to see the players improving by the day, due to the regular competitions the league offers,’’ he said.

    He said that it was gratifying to note that some young Nigerians who were part of the tennis cup had got scholarships and sponsorships to tennis academies abroad.

    Read also: NCC seeks partnership of advocacy groups on toll-free 622 line

    He said that they would further their studies and their professional tennis careers in those academies.

    “The NCC Tennis Cup is a team tennis competition that is open to all, including the very best male and female tennis players in Nigeria.

    “I am glad that the cream of the best and promising Nigerian male and female players are all participating in the league and that a good number of them are now ranked on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour.

    “These are some of our expectations and we hope that the players will take full advantage of this NCC Tennis League Cup to excel,’’ Danbatta said.

    He said that NCC’s major objective in promoting the competition was to contribute to the overall development of the nation through sports, particularly, tennis.

    According to him, tennis has the potential to engage, motivate, entertain and keep the youth physically fit and mentally focused.

    He said that above all, tennis created opportunities for the players to earn a decent living and a chance to be famous.

     The grand finale featured special tribute to the late Dr Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice- President of Nigeria and special awards to some players of the competition, as sponsored by MTN Nigeria.

    The corporate relations executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr Tobe Okigbo, said that the company’s involvement in the competition was in line the value addition and youth’s talent development agenda of MTN.

    “We like supporting value addition projects. In this case (NCC Tennis Cup competition), we saw that what NCC is doing and it makes a lot of sense to be part of it.

    “We saw it as an opportunity to support ambitious young Nigerians, especially, in developing their skills and talents,’’ Okigbo said.

    The 12 teams that participated are: Team Ofikwu, Team Ndoma-Egba, Team Goshen, Team CBN Fututos, Team Yetade and Team Tech-Vibe.

    Others are Team Civil Defence, Team Kolatari, Team Muller, Team Opti Web, Team VGC Lions and Team Qualifier.

    NAN

  • Oko Poly wants FG to immortalise Ekwueme

    Oko Poly wants FG to immortalise Ekwueme

    The Federal polytechnic, Oko ( Oko Poly ), in Anambra, has urged the Federal Government to immortalise the first Vice President of the country, the late Dr Alex Ekwueme, for his selfless service to the nation.

    The polytechnic’s spokesman, Mr Obini Onuchukwu, made the institution’s position known in statement in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra on Wednesday.

    Onuchukwu said that the management, on behalf of the governing council and entire polytechnic community, expressed shock over the news of the demise of Ekwueme, who founded the polytechnic in 1979 as College of Arts and Science.

    According to him, immortalising Ekwueme in acknowledgment of his major role in the nation’s democracy, will serve as a “pat on the back” and a source of encouragement to the community.

    The institution noted that Ekwueme would be remembered for his fatherly role and efforts in attracting development to the polytechnic.

    “The late icon will also be remembered for his political strength in the entire South-East zone and Nigeria as a whole.

    “The news of his demise, which is grievously shocking, has thrown the entire polytechnic community into mourning, especially as the history of the institution can never be told without the name of the late patriarch being mentioned.

    “As a true nationalist, late Ekwueme formulated many political ideologies to advance the country.

    “His love for his people in particular and the nation in general, gave rise to what is today known as the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

    “We are saddened by the news of his transition at the age of 85 because his wise counsel and tutelage will be greatly missed.

    “We have lost a great man. We have lost a father. We have lost a political giant.

    “We are in deep shock that it happened at a time like this when growing politicians needed to tap more from the wealth of experience and knowledge of the former Vice President.

    “On a different note, the death is also a celebration of a rare gem because the former vice president lived a fulfilled life and laid a good foundation which we all enjoy today.”

    He described Ekwueme as “one of the old generation elder statesmen who lived a peace loving life and a man of courage; and we will miss him so much”.

    The institution prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Meanwhile, the polytechnic has opened a condolence register at the institution’s administrative office as a mark of respect for the founder of the institution.

    NAN

  • Buhari vows to check recovered assets’ diversion 

    Buhari vows to check recovered assets’ diversion 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday vowed to put in place measures to check embezzlement and diversion of recovered assets to private pockets.

    He gave the assurance while inaugurating the Audit Committee on the Recovery and Management of Stolen Assets within and outside Nigeria at the First Lady Conference room in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Stressing that all recovered assets must be accounted for, he directed all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies and corporate bodies to give the committee all the necessary support.

    The committee, which has three members including Mr. Olufemi Lijadu, Mrs. Gloria Chinyere Bibigha and Mr. Mohammed Nami, was given four weeks to carry out the assignment.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting started, immediately after the inauguration ended, with one-minute silence observed for the late former Vice President, Alex Elwueme.

    Inaugurating the committee, Buhari said:  “Members of the committee may recall that pursuant to the resolve of this administration since its inception to pursue a strong and effective anti-corruption regime, and in view of the multiple cases of mis-managed and  misappropriated national assets identified by this administration upon our assumption of office, the Federal Government embarked on tracing and recovery of all such stolen assets within and outside Nigeria using all legal and diplomatic resources at our disposal.

    “The gains of our initiatives over the past two and a half years have been very obvious to all Nigerians. This is clear from the level of investigation, prosecution and forfeitures involving both public and private sector officials in the country.

    “The message has therefore been passed loud and clear that never again as a nation are we going to allow the wanton diversion and embezzlement of public funds to private pockets.

    “Nigerians will further recall that pursuant to requisite directives, recovered assets are progressively being returned to designated accounts by the anti-graft agencies and other agencies of Government involved with the process.

    “In the course of implementing this exercise and given the number of agencies who are concurrently pursuing specialized initiatives and making recoveries for Government, it has become obvious that fundamental gaps still exist in ensuring that the recovered assets are accounted for, and managed in an accurate, transparent and logical manner.” he said

    The President added: “It was in realization of this and due to our determination to ensure that in pursuing the anti-graft war, we do not create new room for dishonorable conduct by any individual or agency that I directed, earlier in the year, that all agencies should send in detailed reports of all their recovered assets as at March, 2017.

    “The decision to inaugurate this Audit Committee on the Recovery and Management of Stolen Assets within and outside Nigeria today is therefore the next step in ensuring that all returns filed by the various agencies are accurate and consistent with actual recoveries made,” he said.

    He said that the Committee is expected to judiciously undertake an audit of all recovery accounts established by government agencies from the date of opening such accounts up to 10th April, 2017.

    “The details of the Committee’s functions are as set out in your Terms of Reference. I congratulate all Members of the Committee on your appointment which is another opportunity for you all to serve your country. I therefore urge you to perform your duties diligently in the best interests of Nigeria,” he said.

    He directed all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Banks, and Companies to give the Committee full cooperation as the assignment was not only crucial to the harvesting of needed resources for national development but towards setting out a fresh template of public accountability.

    He said “Where it becomes necessary, the Committee will of course rely on existing laws to compel the production of information and will also have the benefit of necessary interventions by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in obtaining such information through legal processes, where so required.

    “The Committee is hereby given a time frame of four weeks to finish this assignment and submit its Report to my office. I look forward to receiving your report and recommendations in due course and I wish you the best of luck in this assignment,” he said.

     

    Read Also:  Buhari to bring in more ministers in FEC shake-up

  • Alex Ekwueme (1932 – 2017):Governors mourn over Ekwueme’s death

    Alex Ekwueme (1932 – 2017):Governors mourn over Ekwueme’s death

    GOVERNORS across the federation yesterday expressed sadness over the demise of the first Vice President of Nigeria and elder statesman Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    Ekwueme, who was the first elected Vice-President of Nigeria in office from 1979 to 1983 died in a London Hospital at the age of 85 after a brief illness.

    He was a complete gentleman, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode , in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described the late Ekwueme as a complete gentleman, a thorough bred scholar, a philanthropist and a politician per excellence, who contributed his own quota to serving his country and humanity.

    “Dr. Ekwueme was a man of many parts. He was a scholar of repute, who had so many academic awards to his name. Not only did he bag degrees in Philosophy, History, Sociology, Law as well as Architecture and City Planning, he was a successful businessman to the core and impacted on the lives of his people positively.

    “He was also a detribalised Nigerian, who was committed to the course of a united, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria. He believed so much in all-inclusive governance and was one of those patriotic Nigerians who contributed in laying the foundation of a sustainable democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

    Ambode, while commiserating with the family of the late elder statesman, urged them to uphold the ideals he stood for, saying that the nation will continue to draw inspiration from his life and times.

     

    Aregbesola: His death marks end of an era  

     

    Osun State Governor  Rauf Aregbesola described the death of Ekwueme  as the end of an era.

    He said late Ekwueme was one of the finest politicians the nation has ever produced.

    Aregbesola, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr.  Sola Fasure, described the former vice president’s exit as a big blow to the nation, saying his death is a wound that will linger for a very long time.

    According to the governor,  Ekwueme served the country in the highest capacity with such untiring gusto uncommon among politicians of his age bracket.

    He noted that though Ekwueme finally succumbed to death after battling with old age related illness, he had a glorious exit, having lived for 85 fulfilling years.

    The governor said Ekwueme was one of the architects of the democracy “we now enjoy, being a prominent member of a group of 38 elders who stood firmly to confront military dictatorship and demanded the exit of the soldiers from government”.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and good people of the State of Osun, I send heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended family of Chief Ekwueme, the government and people of Anambra State and the Federal Government of Nigeria through President Muhammadu Buhari.  May the good Lord grant the repose his soul in his next estate,” he said.

     

    Amosun: a great loss to the nation

     

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun described it as a great loss to the nation.

    Amosun, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye, said the deceased was an exemplary politician, selfless leader, relentless community leader, renowned architect and zealous philanthropist.

    “His bold efforts to gather 34 eminent Nigerians (G34), to confront the former Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, despite the risk, no doubt, fuelled the agitations for and the subsequent evolution of a democratic government, which has lasted for 18 years in the country,” Amosun said.

    It’s painful, says

    Tambuwal

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the late Ekwueme was a true statesman, whose selfless and meritorious service to God, country and humanity was felt by all.

    In a message of condolence issued in Sokoto by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said Ekwueme was a distinguished legal luminary, exemplary politician and a great community leader.

    “For us in Sokoto, Dr. Ekwueme’s death comes with extra pain because he was Vice President to one of our distinguished sons, Turakin Sokoto, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

    “The deceased proved himself an able lieutenant who together with other members of their team, gave their best for the unity, progress and stability of the Nigerian federation in the Second Republic and beyond.

     

    Dickson: immortalise him

     

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson described the late Second Republic Vice-President as an icon of democracy and urged the Federal Government to immortalise him.

    Dickson said the late vice president used politics as a tool to serve and not to be served.

    “In truth, Ekwueme was a gentleman politician, consummate democrat, a hero and an icon of democracy, who believed in the rule of law and ventured into politics to serve”, he said.

    The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Agbo, said the passing of the elder statesman, was a monumental loss to Nigeria and Africa.

     

    Ugwuanyi: a statesman has fallen

     

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said Ekwueme’s death signalled yet another depletion in the dwindling ranks of elder statesmen with an abiding love for country and humanity.

    In a statement issued in Enugu, the governor said: “We received the news of his passing with deep sadness and consider it a huge loss not only to his family but to the entire country.

    “We mourn with his family and, on behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, offer them our deepest condolences and express our gratitude for their gift of this icon of democracy.”

     

    Fayose, Akeredolu mourn

     

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, Fayose commiserated with the Ekwueme Family, the people of Anambra State and Nigerians over Ekwueme’s demise.

    He said: “Moreover, Dr. Ekwueme’s contributions to the formation of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, are etched in our minds.”

    Ondo state governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described the death of the Second Republic Vice President as an irreparable loss to the country.

    Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary(CPS), said Nigeria has lost one of its brightest and ebullient democrats.

    According to him, “Although death is a necessary end, but it is saddening that Dr. Alex Ekwueme departs the country at a time when the ideals and social justice he used his energy and intellectual prowess to fight for in his life times have yet to be achieved.

    “The young generation will surely miss the Second Republic vice president, who stood for the uprightness and unity of our dear country.”

     

     

     

     

    ‘He was the Nigerian bridge that held Nigeria together’

     

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello said the late former Vice President was the bridge that held Nigeria together for decades.

    In a condolence message, the governor described the late elder statesman as a thorough administrator, decent politician and a nationalist who saw Nigeria as a project of unity.

    According to the governor, “the late Alex Ekwueme was an example of excellent leadership”.

    He said the late Second Republic VP rendered selfless service to his fatherland, “standing on the podium of truth, sacrifice and progress all his life”.

    He expressed confidence that the Nigerian nation will immortalise the good name and sterling values Ekwueme lived for, and called on the new generation politicians and Nigerians to mirror his spirit of service to humanity.

     

     

     

     

  • Ekwueme: We have lost a political colossus – Ngige

    Ekwueme: We have lost a political colossus – Ngige

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige said on Monday that the death of the former Vice President. Dr. Alex Ekwueme is an exit of an unrivalled colossus at a time Nigeria is in dire need of his wisdom, knowledge, discipline, courage and patriotism.

    The Minister said it will be difficult to replace the late statesman for his quality, pointing out that as Vice President, the late Ekwueme left office poorer than when he was not in the office.

    In a condolence message to the Ekwueme family signed by the Minister, Senator Ngige said he “received with a great jolt, sadness and deep sense of loss, the news of the exit of my political boss, friend and teacher. I was jolted by this sad news because even as I learnt that Ide had slipped into a coma some days ago, I kept praying for him and hoping against hope that he would return to us from the land of coma,” Ngige said in a condolence personally signed by him.

    “For Ide, the curtain has been drawn. He ran his race here on earth starting as a provincial boy who came to Kings College Lagos, dazzled everybody with his brilliance, soaring in his School Certificate and proceeded to acquire strings of academic degrees across disciplines, the record of which is yet to be beaten by any Nigerian.  Ekwueme epitomized brain and handsomeness. He was highly industrious, a big silent philanthropist especially in education.

    “With the passing on of Ide Aguata, the curtain has fallen on a glorious chapter in the history of Nigeria.  With the death of Dr. Ekwueme, Nigeria has been assailed by a huge gap that will be difficult to fill. With the passing away of Ide, the sky-high iroko, where then shall the birds of great flight take to? In the contemporary, Nigeria has lost her best in all ramifications- politics, professionalism in disciplines such as Architecture, Law and Business. In the contemporary world of politics, business, Nigeria has lost one of her greatest.

    “In an age of narrowness, how will Nigeria find a perfect replacement for Ekwueme, the epitome of learning? Whose deeper thought, whose insight will spring solutions to extant national problems like Ekwueme did when he proposed the six-geopolitical zones and other constitutional issues taken in the 1994 constitutional conference? 

    “In an age where uprightness has taken flight, who can replace Ekwueme’s conduct in public office? Which African can leave office as Vice President, poorer than when he entered office?  In an age of bread and butter politics, who can replace Ekwueme’s urbane consistency? Democracy is surely in danger without statesmen and Democrats with an incorruptible conscience, such that Ekwueme represented.

    “Am personally in deep grief. We have lost a father, a mentor, a leader whose briefcase some of us the contemporary leaders of the South East, Viz Prof. A.B.C Nwosu, Dr. Okey Udeh, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Dr. Okwy Nwodo,  struggled to carry in 1998 during the formative years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  at Professor Jerry Gana’s house. 

    “Ide was a man whose wisdom, I, like many others depended at the outset of this 4th republic. I mourn a man whose shining examples have largely shaped my thought and belief in politics as service to the people.  We shall pick the gauntlet and march on to preserve the legacy Ekwueme bequeathed to Nigeria. We can’t afford to renege.

    “On behalf of my family and the entire Umu-Ngige clan of Alor in Idemili South Local Government, I wish to send our heart-felt condolences to Beatrice, his beloved wife, his children- Dr. Helen who was with him in the London Clinic, Ochiliozua, the immediate junior brothers, Profs. Larz and Obumneme Ekwueme and other family members as well as Ndi-Anambra, Ndi-Igbo home and in the diaspora and Nigerians in general

    “Our leader is gone but his indelible footprint is in the political and professional firmament of Nigeria and shall suffer no erasure.”

  • Lagos Assembly, others mourn Ekwueme

    Lagos Assembly, others mourn Ekwueme

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday described the late Dr Alex Ekwueme, Second Republic vice-president of Nigeria, as a patriot and true nationalist.

    The Acting Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr Tunde Braimoh, said this in Lagos that the death of the elder statesman was a painful loss to the country.

    Ekwueme died in London on Sunday at 85.

    Braimoh, who spoke on behalf of the House, said late Ekwueme’s meritorious service as vice president between 1979 and 1983 remain indelible.

    “He was highly dignified and principled.

    “Juxtaposed to his forthrightness, industry, ingenuity, intuition, moral rectitude and upright leanings, his demise is very regrettable,” the lawmaker said.

    According to him, Ekwueme, who held the nation’s number two office when Alhaji Shehu Shagari was president, would be remembered for his belief in the unity of Nigeria.

    He described Ekwueme as an astute, clairvoyant, quintessential politician and elder statesman.

    Braimoh, who noted that death is unavoidable to all mortals, said: “What is important is the legacies for which we shall be remembered.

    “In the case of Dr Ekwueme, it is gratifying that we have fond memories of him.

    “It is also reprieving to recall the herculean efforts and battles to save his life, and that his death might as well be a well-deserved rest after the struggles of life and living”.

    He commiserated with Nigerians, especially the people of the South-East, on the death of Ekwueme.

    Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya, a former Presidential candidate of KOWA Party, also condoled with the Ekwueme family and prayed that God would grant them the wisdom to carry on.

    Chief Martin Onovo, a former Presidential candidate of National Conscience Party, prayed that the late Ekwueme’s soul would rest in peace.

    “We commiserate with the Ekwueme family of Oko in Anambra and all Nigerians on the death of Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    “He was a democrat of high intellectual capacity and achievement. May his soul rest in peace,’’ Onovo said.

    Also, Prof. Lai Olurode, a former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urged politicians to learn from late Ekwueme’s politics of “live and let live’’.

    “A fine gentleman, a distinguished architect and a formidable pillar of the second republic is no more.

    “Other politicians and public figures should learn from his `politics of live and let live’.

    “The late Vice President Ekwueme was a man of peace, a symbol of politics without bitterness and a bridge builder who was a son of the east, an ally of the South-South, well trusted by the North and a friend of the West.

    “May God grant the family the grace to bear the loss,’’ Olurode said.

    NAN

  • Ekwueme a detribalized Nigerian – Okorocha

    Ekwueme a detribalized Nigerian – Okorocha

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has joined other eminent Nigerians and Igbo leaders to mourn the death  of former Vice President,  Dr. Alex Ekwueme who passed away in a London hospital.

    The Imo governor described  the late elder statesmanas an epitome of a detribalized Nigerian.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,   Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, in a statement said, “the Governor of Imo  State,  Owelle Rochas Okorocha has received the sad news of Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the former Vice President of Nigeria, with great shock, describing him as an epitome of detribalized  Nigerian, and therefore died as a statesman”.

    The statement continued that, “nine years after the civil war, the rest of Nigerians re-enacted or reinforced their faith and belief in the Igbo as one of the major tripods of the nation through Dr. Alex Ekwueme who was elected the Vice President of the nation with Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari as the President”.

     The governor  also noted that “Dr. Ekwueme launched the Igbo into national politics since the second Republic and refused to be cajoled into playing tribal politics, and until his death, Dr. Ekwueme remained in the mainstream of Nigerian politics because of his firm believe in oneness of the nation”.

     According to the governor, Dr. Ekwueme was a good example of the kind of politics the Igbo should be playing at any given time and has left behind a befitting legacy”.

     He said Dr. Ekwueme’s peaceful and honest dispositions both in his politics, public and private lives are worthy of emulation, adding that, “the only regret about Dr. Ekwueme at the moment is that he has died at a time his wealth of experience and his wise advice would have been most needed and most useful to all Nigerians of goodwill.

     The governor said “Nigerians and of course, Ndi-Igbo in particular would greatly miss Dr. Ekwueme and prays that the good LORD should grant his soul eternal rest”.

  • Ekwueme ‘s death, big loss to the nation, Nigerian communities in S/Africa

    Ekwueme ‘s death, big loss to the nation, Nigerian communities in S/Africa

    The Nigerian communities in South Africa says the passing away of Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President,  is a big loss to the nation.

    Ekwueme died in a London clinic, aged 85 on Sunday.

    Mr Adetola Olubajo, President, Nigeria Union, South Africa, said this on the telephone from Pretoria on Monday, that Nigerians in that country received the news with shock.

    He described Ekwueme as a politician with exceptional policies rarely seen among “ the political gladiators currently dominating our political climate.

    “He was upright, cerebral, courageous and loyal to the country while he was serving in various public offices.

    “His wealth of experience and contributions to the political landscape in Nigeria will be greatly missed.

    “In 1995, he proposed the six geopolitical zones which Nigerians now use for decision making on national issues, Olubajo said.

    According to him, as first executive vice president of Nigeria, it is a public knowledge that  Ekwueme left office poorer than he was when he entered it.

    “This cannot be said of Nigerian politicians anymore,” the President said.

    Olubajo said that Nigerians in South Africa commiserated with his family, friends, and associates.

    “ We love him, but God loves him more. Adieu father of the nation, and elder statesman per excellent and true nationalist,” he said.

    Read Also: Ekwueme dies at 85

     

  • Ekwueme is alive, responding to treatment – Hospital

    Ekwueme is alive, responding to treatment – Hospital

    Contrary to the rumoured death of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme in the social media, an official of Memfys Neurological Hospital, Enugu, and his younger brother have debunked the report.

    An official of the hospital who on condition of anonymity in Enugu on Tuesday said that ”Ekwueme is still in Memfys Hospital.

    “Former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, is alive, stable and responding to treatment.’’

    The official further said that Ekwueme was receiving the best attention from the hospital.

    The official maintained that though the hospital would not give out information about its patients, “the rumour that he is dead is false.

    “He is recovering and doing well; people should not spread false information.

    “The family members are always here,” the official said.

    Similarly, Igwe Laz Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Oko community in Orumba North Local Government of Anambra, corroborated the hospital’s position.

    The traditional ruler, who is also the younger brother of the former Vice President, said in a telephone interview in Awka on Tuesday that people had bored the family with phone calls.

    “You people should stop disturbing me with all these calls. Ekwueme is alive and recovering, please,” he said.

    It would be recalled that barely a week ago, Ekwueme was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu.

    Due to his critical condition, President Muhammadu Buhari gave approval for his treatment abroad.

    Meanwhile, the family has described the rumour of his death as “wicked”.

    NAN