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Tag: Ekwueme

  • Rain of tributes for Ekwueme

    Rain of tributes for Ekwueme

    President Muhammadu Buhari, former Presidents Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-military President Ibrahim Babangida yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late Second Republic Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    Ekwueme passed on Sunday night in London where he had been receiving treatment since November 13.

    Igwe Laz Ekwueme, the monarch of Oko, Anambra State and brother to the former VP, announced his demise in a statement yesterday, saying the elder statesman died at a London clinic at about 10 p.m. on Sunday.

    “Ekwueme family regrets to announce the peaceful passing away of their patriarch, the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme,’’ he said.

    Ekwueme, who turned 85 years last month, collapsed in his home in Enugu a few days after his birthday.

    He was taken to Enugu Memfys Nuerosurgery Hospital from where he was moved to London for further medical attention on the orders of President Buhari.

    Ekwueme was the Vice President to Alhaji Shagari between 1979 and 1983.

    His home town Oko was thrown into mourning. His death dominated discussions everywhere. Ekweueme’s country home was deserted.  Only one security guard was on duty.

    A few people had signed the condolence register at the monarch’s palace.

    The monarch was said to be upstairs while visitors waited in vain to see him.

    Those sighted were Justice A Ekwueme,  Lady Edith Ekwueme,  her daughter,   Ada Ekwueme – Onions and the son of the first monarch of the community, Mike Ekwueme

    None of them spoke on how the former VP died.

    Visitors and sympathisers were yesterday trooping to the Ezzikwo Street, Independence Layout, Enugu home of the ex-vice-president.

    Among the early callers were President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chief Nnia Nwodo and the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, the eight Rev Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma.

    A condolence register was opened.

    Ekwueme ‘s senior widow, Beatrice was said to be away in Abuja. The junior widow, surrounded by many women, was receiving visitors.

    President Buhari sent his condolences to Nigerians, the government and people of Anambra State on Ekwueme’s death.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, the President commiserated with the Oko Kingdom, the Aguata Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Ekwueme family over the loss of the  patriarch.

    He said his regular counsel on national issues and mediations for peaceful co-existence would be sorely missed.

    The President affirmed that Dr Ekwueme’s unwavering commitment to the unity of Nigeria had been a major encouragement to many governments, recalling the personal sacrifices he made in helping to lay the foundation for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

    The President believed Dr Ekwueme worked assiduously to improve the livelihood of many poor and underprivileged people through the Alex Ekwueme Foundation, describing him as a man who served his country and humanity.

    He prayed that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the former Vice President, and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Second Republic President Shagari also  commiserated with Nigerians over Ekwueme’s death.

    In a statement in Sokoto, the former President described the late Ekwueme as his brother who stood for peace, unity and stability of the country.

    Shagari, who signed the statement personally said: “It is with deep sense of loss that I learnt aboutý the demise of my brother and former Vice President Alex Ekwueme.

    ”On behalf of myself, I sincerely commiserate with Nigerians on his death ýMay his soul rest in peace.”

    Former President Obasanjo described Ekwueme’s demise as “shocking”. He said the Second Republic Vice – President was a “selfless, disciplined and patriotic Nigerian who lived a worthy and exemplary life”

    In a statement titled:”Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme: A Tribute”, Obasanjo noted that Ekwueme recorded diverse and worthy achievements in the multifaceted endeavours.

    “His irrepressible thirst for knowledge and education, which propelled his foray into many fields of intellectual pursuit and his distinguished role in the development of the architectural profession in Nigeria are shining examples to the younger generation, many of whom have, in fact, benefited from his philanthropy and goodwill.

    “It cannot be gainsaid that, over the years, Dr. Ekwueme had shown courage of conviction and integrity in his dealings at the pinnacle of national affairs, notably with his record of sincerity as Vice-President of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983 and as Chairman of the

    Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during my administration as a democratically-elected President of Nigeria. It would not be an exaggeration to state that with his exemplary lifestyle and commitment to noble and worthy causes, he rightly came

    to be regarded as one of the titans of Nigerian politics and an illustrious elder statesman.

    ”I had hoped he would continue to play an active role in strengthening democracy in Nigeria as well as lending his voice to the ennobling ideal of national unity.  But what can we do?

    “I would only urge that we should accept this circumstance as the unquestionable will of God who gives and takes life according to His will and wish.

    “As the whole world pays tribute to Dr. Ekwueme, I join them in celebrating the life of a man who raised the beacon of human struggle to lofty heights of nobility and whose life is an example of what we should all aspire for. His struggle and our struggles remain the same and as we all seek for answers to deal with today’s challenges.

    “His demise is a loss to his family who would miss a caring patriarch,

    the people of Anambra State who would miss a guide and the good people of Nigeria who would miss a leader.  In all situations, he lived nobly and he died in nobility.” Obasanjo said.

    Gen. Babangida extolled the virtue of simplicity that characterised the life of the late Vice President.

    “His simplicity is a rare virtue, despite his intellectual depth. I have come to know him with carriage of a man that is always living a very worthwhile live built on values and morality. We will miss him , Nigeria needs people like him now than ever” IBB said.

    “I condole with the family of the late Dr Ekweme , the government and  people of Anambra state and Nigerians , I pray that God gives the Family and all of us the fortitude  to bear the irreplaceable loss”

  • Ekwueme: Exit of a loyal lieutenant

    Ekwueme: Exit of a loyal lieutenant

    The curtains were drawn on the life of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme in the wee hours of yesterday. He passed on in a London hospital. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU revisits his political career, his style in office, accomplishments and failed bid for the presidency.

    He was an excellent example of a technocrat in politics. To him, politics was not an occupation, but a vocation. His compatriots describe him as a gentleman who could not ruffle feathers. He was a man of peace. As a private and public figure, he avoided controversy like a plague. Till he breathed his last, he was a man of integrity.

    Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, architect, lawyer, sociologist, historian, philosopher, businessman and former vice president, knew his onions. He was a successful man who ventured into politics with optimism. The motivation was service to his fatherland. Although he operated in a rough era when opulence and kleptomania filled the hearts of major operators, he was isolated from the pack as a politician who was above board.

     

    Life full of lessons

     

    As vice president to Alhaji Shehu Shagari in the National Party of Nigeria (NPN)-led Federal Government in the Second Republic, Ekwueme was believed to have joined a bad company. He was like a sheep in the midst of wolves.

    The eminent politician was not in the class the illustrious pathfinders and nationalist politicians, who laid the foundation for an independent Nigeria. He was not even a lieutenant or associate of the men of the old order. No historian will describe him as a colourful politician, a vocal megastar and highly influential chieftain in the Second Republic, the era that threw him up as the number two citizen. It is debatable whether Ekwueme can be described as a giant of history. But, many would agree that he played his meagre role in the history of presidential democracy.

    Yet, his life embodied a compendium of lessons. Ekwueme was a man of contentment. In office, he was as gentle as a dove. He acknowledged the constraints of his exalted office. He was a vice president handicapped by constitutional limitations. It may be argued that he had much prospects as a deputy president. But, he was not under any illusion that he was a deputy commander-in-chief. Under former President Shagari, he was a loyal deputy; a great spare tyre with a narrow sphere of influence, unlike flamboyant Transport Minister Dr. Umaru Dikko, party chairman Chief Adisa Meridith Akinloye and pompous NPN National Secretary Senator Uba Ahmed. A long pole separated Shagari and Ekwueme in terms of education. Despite his five degrees, including one in law and a doctorate degree in architecture, he was, according to the dictate of the presidential system, an occupant of a powerless office and a shadow deputy leader.

     

    ‘Accidental’ deputy

     

    Although Ekwueme was not Shagari’s choice, he became a running mate by sheer fate. The former president wanted a woman as his vice.

    But, the woman he had in mind, an Igbo from the same Southeast, declined the offer, saying that the job would be rigorous for a woman.

    The First Republic Minister of Trade & Commerce, Dr. Ozumba Mbadiwe, also lobbied for the slot. But, Shagari tactically turned it down. Both were ministers under Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa. When his candidature was rejected, the man fondly called the “man of timber and caliber”, described the position was a “repeater station to a major station”.

    Mbadiwe was later appointed as Presidential Adviser on national Assembly Matters and much later, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

    In 1983, Anambra State was a battle ground between the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) Governor Jim Nwobodo and Chief Christian Onoh of the NPN. Ekwueme was happy that his party finally made an in-road into Zik’s prime territory. It was in the days of winning by moon slide. The euphoria lasted for three months. Onoh, like other governors, was booted out of office by soldiers.

     

    Loyalty as a virtue

     

    After the 1983 general election, Ekwueme’s political fate was sealed. There was no evidence that he would succeed

    Shagari despite his loyalty. He was a tested and trusted ally. He was indirectly groomed for the number one position. But, loyalty, competence, experience and proximity to the prime position were not enough criteria for succession. The Yoruba in the NPN believed that the presidency would shift to the Southwest in 1987. The charismatic chairman, Akinloye, was already warming up for the office. In the four years and three months he served, there was no evidence that Ekwueme undermined or subverted his boss. But, he was not in the calculation of the party hierarchy for succession.

    During the NPN national caucus meeting, the former vice president usually sat beside his boss. Both president and vice president were only distinguished members of the caucus presided over by Akinloye. In that atmosphere of party supremacy, discipline was the watch word.

    That discipline was usually exhibited by the duo of Shagari and Ekwueme, to the applause of Akinloye, Alhaji Mohammed Makaman Bida, Alhaji Shetima Ali Mongonu, Alhaji Suleman Takuma, Senate President Joseph Wayas, Chief Lulu Briggs, Senator Wash Pam and Senator Olusola Saraki. In fact, Ekwueme was taken aback in 1999, when that scenario could not be re-enacted in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo became the president.

    Already a rich architect and businessman, Ekwueme refused to participate in the widespread festival of graft that permeated the life of Shagari administration. The two leaders – Shagari and Ekwueme – watched helplessly as the looting went on. Yet, Ekwueme suffered a collateral damage. When the military that toppled the inept government went after its functionaries, the former vice president was not spared. There was no evidence of financial crime to nail him at the tribunal. He only languished in detention without justification for almost two years.

     

    Politics in the blood

     

    Ekwueme had been interested in politics as a young man. In the First Republic, he had wanted to serve as a member of the Eastern Regional House of Assembly on the platform of the defunct National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). He failed to get the ticket at the primary.

    That was his first baptism of fire in politics. After that, he became a dormant member of the party until it was banned by the military in 1966.

    His credentials are fascinating. He was highly educated. Ekwueme was also a blue blood. He was a community man. Yet, when the throne was vacant, he declined to mount it. He was the Ide of the Oko kingdom in Anambra State, where his younger brother, Prof Lazarus Ekwueme, a music teacher, reigns as the traditional ruler. He was also honoured by the Council of Traditional Rulers in the old Aguata as the Ide of Aguata Local Government Area. The local government comprise of 44 towns.

     

    Career

     

    Ekwueme started primary school at the St John’s Anglican Central School, Ekwulobia. He proceeded to King’s College, Lagos. As an awardee of the Fulbright Scholarship in the United States of America (U.S.A.), he attended the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and City Planning. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Urban Planning. Ekwueme also earned degrees in Sociology, History, Philosophy and Law from the University of London. He obtained a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Strathclyde. He earned the BL (Honours) Degree from the Nigerian Law School.

    A distinguished architect, Ekwueme started his professional career as an Assistant Architect with a Seattle-based firm, Leo A. Daly and Associates, and also with the London-based firm Nickson and Partners.

    On his return to Nigeria, he joined ESSO West Africa, Lagos, overseeing the Construction and Maintenance Department. He later set a successful private business with his firm, Ekwueme Associates, Architects & Town Planners, the first indigenous architectural firm in Nigeria. His practice flourished with 16 offices spread all over Nigeria. He was the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.

    He also presided over the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria. Ekwueme served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.

    A philanthropist, Ekwueme has an active Educational Trust Fund that has been responsible for sponsoring the education of many youths to universities in Nigeria and abroad. He was a member of the Housing sub-committee of the Adebo Salaries and Wages Review Commission. He also served on the board of the Anambra State Housing Development Authority.

     

    Roles in constitutional

    development

     

    Ekwueme did not quit politics after his release from prison, unlike Shagari who went into political retirement. He was a delegate to the Nigeria National Constitutional Conference (NCC) in Abuja set up by the dreadful dictator, the late Gen. Sani Abacha. He served on the Committee on the Structure and Framework of the Constitution. His views were respected at the conference as an elder statesman. Ekwueme’s famous proposals at the NCC for a just and equitable power sharing in Nigeria based on the six geo-political zones have been accepted as necessary for maintaining a stable polity. The former vice president mobilised the group of 34 eminent Nigerians who risked their lives to stand up against Abacha’s dictatorship. The late Chief Solomon Lar was mandated to take a ‘sack’ letter to Abacha in Aso Villa. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Canada-based Forum of Federations. He is also a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Elders. Ekwueme was leader of the team assembled by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for pre-election monitoring for the parliamentary election in Zimbabwe in 2000. He was the leader of the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) Observer Team to the Tanzanian presidential and parliamentary elections in 2000. He also co-chaired the 28 member-NDI/Carter Centre sponsored Observer Team to the Liberian presidential run-off election in 2005.

     

    Unfulfilled life ambition

     

    Ekwueme had a life-time ambition to serve as the president. It conformed with the collective political aspiration of Igbo to produce the president. To the race, it is critical to its full integration into Nigeria in the post-civil war ear. However, his thinking and style betrayed an understanding of national politics. He worked actively for the establishment of the PDP. He was full of expectation.

    But, at that time, two issues were at play. The retired generals had constituted themselves into a formidable bloc in the party. Also, the Southwest was in despair and crying wolf over the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief

    Moshood Abiola. The party zoned the slot to the Southwest to appease the aggrieved zone. Although Ekwueme and the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi threw their hats in the ring, the zoning notwithstanding, they met their waterloo at the primary. Obasanjo, who did not know how the party was formed, got the ticket. Ekwueme was bitter and he did not hide his feelings.

    Former President Obasanjo decided to wield both government and party power, to the consternation of the founding fathers. The PDP chairman, Lar, was shoved aside. Gradually, the founding fathers and party elders were sidelined. Although Ekwueme did not leave the PDP till he passed on, he was not active at the twilight of life. He was on reconciliation mission on many occasions, but they were almost futile.

    The PDP gladiators turned a deaf ear to his words of wisdom to the party’s peril. His daughter was the running mate to Osekola Obaze, the Anambra State PDP governorship candidate in last Saturday’s poll that produced Willy Obiano Life full of lessons

    . Former Governor Peter Obi and Obaze explained that it was a tribute to his stature as a father figure.

    Ekwueme was honoured with the Order of the Republic of Guinea and Nigeria’s second highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

    He left behind a country trying to recover from the multiple ills of corruption, economic upheavals, disunity and insecurity. More importantly, he did not realise the dream of an ‘Igbo Presidency’ in his life time.

     

  • Obiano mourns Ekwueme

    Obiano mourns Ekwueme

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has joined other Nigerians to mourn the death of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, describing the death as “huge loss to Nigeria”.

    Ekwueme, according to a statement signed by Igwe Laz Ekwueme, a musicologist, died at about 10 p.m. on Sunday in a London clinic.

    Obiano said he was yet to come to terms with the reality of Ekwueme’s death as it was hard to contemplate the vacuum that his passage had created.

    “A great iroko has fallen. Nigeria has lost a statesman; Ndigbo have lost an illustrious son and Anambra has lost a father.

    “I have lost both a father and a friend. I have lost a mentor. This is a big loss on all fronts.

    “I was close to Ekwueme. I sought his advice on so many things and he was always ready to help.

    “He attended every major event we have held in the past three years in our efforts to make Anambra a better place.

    Read Also: Ekwueme a detribalized Nigerian – Okorocha

    “You always knew where you stood with him on any issue. His death is a big personal loss to me.

    “Only few Nigerians, living or dead could match Ekwueme’s contributions to a fair and just federation in the nation’s seemingly endless search for peace and equity,” the governor said.

    Obiano, who described the late icon as “architect” of a balanced Nigeria, expressed regret that the elder statesman passed away at a trying period in the life of the nation when his bridge-building talent was most needed.

    “Even in his last days, Dr Ekwueme fought gallantly to ensure that equity prevailed in his home state of Anambra.

    “He spoke out fearlessly in favour of sustaining the geopolitical balance that has entrenched peace in the state.

    “Dr Ekwueme’s life is an open book that should inspire generations of Nigerians who need a beacon to guide them into evolving as true patriots willing to make sacrifices for the greatness of the country.

    “He is an icon whose place is assured in our hearts in Anambra,” Obiano said.

    The governor expressed his condolences to Ekwueme’s family and the people of the state, and prayed that God gives the fortitude to bear this grave loss.

    Read: Obiano re-elected Anambra governor

  • South East Governors, Ohaneze mourn Ekwueme

    South East Governors, Ohaneze mourn Ekwueme

    The South East Governors Forum and the Igbo socio-political and cultural Organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo have mourned the death of former  Vice President, Alex Ekwueme describing it as a great loss to the Igbo nation and the entire country
    Ekwueme died Sunday night in a London Hospital where he was receiving treatment.
    He was flown abroad after he went into coma in an Enugu hospital where he was rushed after he slumped in his house.
    Chairman of the Governor’s Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi described the death of Ekwueme as the end of an era.
    Governor Umahi in statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary,  Emmanuel Uzor expressed rude shock over the death of Ekwueme,  describing it as a great loss to Ndigbo in particular and Nigeria in general.
    He commiserated with the Government of Anambra State and entire Ekwueme family of Oko in Anambra state for the loss and prayed God to grant him eternal rest among His Saints.
    “The death of our father and leader,  Dr Ekwueme is so devastating especially now that his fatherly advice is needed most.  He was a great Nigerian and great believer in the unity of the country. As his children,  we have learnt a lot from his deep political sagacity.
    “As the Vice President of Nigeria,  Ekwueme was a great rallying factor of Igbo socio-political integration.  We was a voice of reason and a man who toiled to place Ndigbo at the centre of mainstream politics. Indeed we have lost a rare gem,  a gentleman and a decent politician and academia”
    The Governor further disclosed that the South East zone through the governors would soon draw programme on how to pay last respect to the fallen political Iroko and commiserated with his immediate family and indeed the government of Anambra State.
    For President General of Ohaneze, Mr John Nwodo, Ekwueme was an outstanding patriot whose contributions to the country’s socio political evolution would be indelible.
    The  Ohanaeze President in a statement said that 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.
    The Ohanaeze boss commiserated with his immediate family, friends and associates and Nigeria for the huge loss while urging Nigeria government to immortalize him.
  • Ekwueme, epitome of detribalised Nigerian – Okorocha

    Ekwueme, epitome of detribalised Nigerian – Okorocha

    Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has described the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme as an epitome of a detribalised Nigerian.

    Ekwueme, 85, died on Sunday in a London hospital after a brief illness, according to a statement, signed by his younger brother Igwe Laz Ekwueme, a musicologist.

    Okorocha, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemedo, issued in Owerri on Monday, noted that Ekwueme launched the Igbos into national politics in the second Republic and refused to be cajoled into playing tribal politics.

    He said that after the civil war, Nigerians re-enacted their faith and belief in the Igbos as one of the major tripods of the nation through late Ekwueme by electing him as the vice president to President Shehu Shagari.

    The governor noted that until his death, the former vice president remained in the mainstream of Nigerian politics because of his firm belief in the oneness of the nation.

    He said he was a good example of the kind of politics the Igbos should be playing at any given time, adding that he had left behind a befitting legacy.

    The governor said the deceased’s peaceful and honest dispositions both in politics, public and private life were all worthy of emulation.

    “The only regret about Ekwueme at the moment is that he died at a time his wealth of experience and wise advice will have been most needed and useful to Nigerians of goodwill.

    “Nigerians and of course, Ndigbo in particular, will greatly miss Dr Ekwueme and I pray that the good Lord will grant his soul eternal rest,” Okorocha said.

    In his reaction, Mr Mike Iheanetu, representing Aboh Mbaise in the Imo State House of Assembly, described Ekwueme’s demise as “the death of the Nigerian Dream”`.

    Iheanetu disclosed this that the Nigerian dream was encapsulated in Ekwueme’s brain when he formed the minority opinion which produced the current six geopolitical zones.

    The lawmaker said that Nigeria, as a country, owed it to Ekwueme’s memory to ensure that the six zones come together to form a government that would strengthen the zones and reduce power at the centre.

    He said this would make the centre less attractive, thereby reducing rancor and acrimony, as well as unite the country, adding that unity of the country is most important.

    “I believe in development from bottom to top which was Ekwueme’s vision. I am proposing for the six regions.

    “If we strengthen the bottom, it will make the centre weak and therefore less attractive; and if the centre is weak, there will be less rancor and acrimony and Nigeria will be united which is of utmost importance.

    “He proposed rotational presidency and we are still looking forward to it. This is what we owe Ekwueme and God will grant us the grace to achieve this dream while he rests in peace,” Iheanetu said.

    Also reacting, Dr Chima Onyekwere, the convener of Citizens for Progress and National Development, described the late Ekwueme as a “leader worthy of emulation”.

    Onyekwere urged leaders to follow the example of the late Ekwueme by seeking the unity and progress of Nigeria.

    “He was a dedicated leader and we will miss him dearly,” he said.

    A political analyst, Fred Ibeawuchi, also described him as a true democrat, who played a major role in the development and growth of Nigeria with resources at his disposal.

    He said the achievement of democratic rule in Nigeria was an offshoot of Ekwueme’s dedication.

    “Ekwueme was a vanguard of one Nigeria, true federalism and nationalism.”

    Mr Chikelue Nwoko, a businessman, described late Ekwueme as a good man and an astute politician, adding that he helped Igbos and ensured they received the respect and honour they deserved.

    Nwoko also described him as a peace loving man and prayed for more leaders like him.

    Okorocha recently erected Ekwueme’s statue at the Heroes Square of the state, welcomed him into the Imo Hall of Fame and gave him Imo Merit Award.

    NAN

  • SGF visits Ekwueme in UK hospital

    SGF visits Ekwueme in UK hospital

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha has conveyed President Muhammadu Buhari’s goodwill message to ailing second republic Vice-President, Alex Ekwueme in a London hospital here he is undergoing treatm,ent.

    Based on the approval of President Buhari,, Dr Ekwueme was taken to the London hospital on an air ambulance on Sunday. He was believed to be in a critical condition.

    The SGF, who had been in London before Dr Ekwueme’s arrival, was received by Mrs Helen Ekwueme on behalf of the family.

    According to Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity to the President,  Garba Shehu, Mr Mustapha told the Ekwueme family that the President and all Nigerians were praying for the speedy recovery of the 85-year-old elder statesman, adding that he believed that the doctors were doing their best.

  • SGF visits Ekwueme in London hospital

    SGF visits Ekwueme in London hospital

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha has conveyed President Muhammadu Buhari’s goodwill message to former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme in a London hospital.

    Based on approval by President Buhari, Dr Ekwueme was rushed to the hospital in an air ambulance in what was described as a critical condition.

    The SGF, who was in London before Dr Ekwueme’s arrival, was received by his spouse, Mrs Helen Ekwueme on behalf of the Ekwueme family.

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Mr Mustapha told the Ekwueme family that the President and all Nigerians are praying for the speedy recovery of the elder statesman, adding that he believed that the doctors were doing their best.

     

  • Ailing Ekwueme flown abroad

    Ailing Ekwueme flown abroad

    Ailing Second Republic Vice-President Alex Ekwueme has been flown abroad for further medical attention.

    The documentation of his travelling documents were completed on Friday, according to a family source.

    It was learnt that Ekwueme was flown out in a chattered ambulance with registration number N605AJ through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

    The destination of the flight which took off at about 8.30am yesterday was not disclosed.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on November 3 approved the movement of the former Vice-President abroad.

    Ekwueme, on October 29, collapsed  in his house at Independence Layout, Enugu.

    He was admitted at the Memphys Hospital, Enugu’s Intensive Care Unit at the Neurosurgery section.

    Read Also:  Buhari greets Alex Ekwueme at 85

     

  • Former VP Ekwueme flown abroad for treatment

    Former VP Ekwueme flown abroad for treatment

    The Second Republic Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, was on Sunday airlifted abroad for further medical treatment.

    Ekwueme was hospitalised at Memfys Hospital of Neurosurgery, Enugu, for chest inflection on Oct. 29.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the elder statesman departed the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday in a white air ambulance with registration number N605AJ.

    However, Memfys Hospital ‎and family sources did not disclose the country where the former vice president would be receiving treatment.

    NAN reports that some family members accompanied Ekwueme on the medical trip, while others came to bid him farewell.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had last week approved that Ekwueme should be flown abroad for treatment.(NAN)

  • ‘Nwoye ‘ll be a good governor, says Ekwueme’

    ‘Nwoye ‘ll be a good governor, says Ekwueme’

    Dr. Peter Ekwueme is the Secretary of the Enugu State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). In this interview with reporters in Enugu, the state capital, he speaks on the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Tony Nwoye, in the November 18 poll election. Excerpts:

    You are a medical doctor. Why are you so interested in social and political issues?

    I do think that man is both a social and political being before being a doctor.

    Indeed to shy away from the reality of our social interaction and political participation is to live life sub-optimally. Not only have I made a conscious choice to engage myself in these concerns, I urge every person to realise it is our civic responsibility to do so if we really are serious about contributing to shaping the society and participating in nation building.

    How well do you know the APC candidate given the articles you have been publishing about him?

    Dr Tony Nwoye is someone I have known forever. Our paths crossed way back in our pre university days. He was in Metropolitan College Onitsha while I was in Christ the king College (C. K. C).

    Being a very intelligent and socially active person, Tony was a constant feature in the inter-school contests. He led his school in quiz competitions, debates, JET club contests and the likes. I led mine in same events. So we started off as adversaries really but had mutual respect for each other.

    We got into the same College Of Medicine UNN, played our parts in the Medical Students Association of our Alma matter UNMSA, SUG and the likes. Because of his natural gift for leadership, man management and organization, Tony became an instant hit, dusted his contemporaries and those that came even before him. The rest is now history.

    So, I knew him first as an adversary. But we grew to be comrades sharing the same trenches. Our interaction has never looked back since then.

    What was it like being a medical student and being involved in students’ politics?

    An interesting question. It is the toughest life to live. Your classmates view you with some suspicion as someone who does not know why he is in school. Your teachers are sure you shouldn’t have been in that field of study. But to the credit of characters like Tony Nwoye, he had the conviction and passion to pursue what was clear in his mind was his life purpose. Some of us were not as tenacious as he was with it. But looking back at what he has achieved and the impact he’s made in his society, there can be no doubt that he made the ‘rightest’ possible choice as regard his path.

    So, can a medical doctor be a good governor?

    The people of his constituency can best answer that question. He has represented them in the past two years and you can hear them say that they have never had it so good. It is not surprising and you should not forget that he represents the governor’s in the House of Representatives. Despite the fact that the governor was in office, his people rejected his APGA candidate because of Nwoye and that tells you they saw something in him.

    Given his emergence as a student’s union leader, is it true that he was a cultist as some political rivals have alleged?

    Nothing can be further from the truth. You see when political opponents have nothing to say, they resort to baseless propaganda and cheap blackmails.

    Tony all through his stay in school never had any issue with the security department of the school. In our days, you cannot contest any election in school if you are reckoned a cultist. In fact such charge was the easiest way for the school authorities to get back at troublesome student leaders. It speaks so much about how far removed from cultism Tony was that the school authorities could not even label him with that. I mean that would have been such an easy way of stopping his participation in SUG politics. But they just couldn’t because the young man was so clean of such.

    It is a fact that he has never been accused of cultism while there. He has never been charged for that anywhere in his time. Any of his contemporaries in school who is honest can attest to this.

    Do you believe he would do well as governor of Anambra State?

    I have no doubt whatsoever that Anambra in Dr. Tony Nwoye’s hands will experience its best run of governance ever. Tony is someone who prepared himself for leadership. He is an excellent manager and knows how to distill from an assemblage of great talents the very best for the good of the society. More than any other person in this race, he possesses the best resume as far leadership is concerned.

    Do you belong to any political party?

    I do belong to a political party. I have always belonged to one at every point in time. But let me quickly clarify that I’m not one whose thought process and worldview is restricted by party affiliation. Not in the least. I have a much more robust and expansive view of politics way beyond party lines especially in the context of the peculiarities of our polity where the ideological divides between the parties are ever so blurry. But we will get there.

    What expectations do you have of him as governor?

    I urge him to remain true to his person and his deals as he had been in the myriads of positions he had served in the past. He should remember that it is his past performance that keeps making way for him to soar higher and higher.

    I expect him to continue making his focus the masses, the poor and the dispossessed. I expect him to maintain focus on the youths, empower and equipment them to unleash their immeasurable potentials which should catapult our economy to enviable heights.

    I expect Dr. Tony Nwoye to carry on in office with the same humility, the same focus and the same servant leader disposition that have made him to excel in his past calls to service.

    Any other comments on Nwoye and the contest in Anambra?

    I urge Dr Tony Nwoye and his teeming supporters which grow by the day not to relent. They should continue to sustain their grassroot spread and dominance for truly power belongs to the people.It is my conviction that if the current  tempo is sustained, Tony will emerge victorious cone November 18th and Anambra will enter into its most peaceful, most progressive and most prosperous era in history. That is the Tony Nwoye promise. As Dr Tony and his teeming supporters like to  assert as their slogan/battle cry, the future is now!