By Tony Nezianya

THERE is no doubt that Anambra People stood still for Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice-President, of Nigeria, who died on Nov. 19, 2017 and buried on Feb. 2 at his ancestral home, Oko.

“He deserved the well-accorded burial that his remains deserved,’’ Tony Nnachetta, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, said.

“He was indeed accorded the best. It was the funeral of an elder statesman. Indeed, it lived up to the image of a top personage.

“It is unfortunate that Dr Ekwueme passed away at the time he did. We can say thank you Lord that this man came our way; that he crossed our path, in this part of Nigeria and this part of the world.

“It is also as a great fortune not just to know him but also to be participants at his funeral.

“I think Anambra State pulled out all the stops to mark the passing of Alex Ekwueme. Our people were individually and collectively saddened; our people also got engaged as a mark of respect.

“A work-free day was declared in Anambra, markets were closed and that is the greatest honour you can give to anybody; to close markets, because we are predominantly mercantile people.

“Markets were closed, schools were closed, and work places were closed to mark the passing of this great man.

“Anambra also ensured that bits and pieces of roads were taken care of; Power supply, street lights in Oko were repaired and hospitality of our numerous guests, who came for the funeral from the length and breadth of Nigeria.

“Senior persons, political figures, senior Church persons, professionals from different Institutes and Anambra people were able to host a major event at a Square named after him to show for his services.

“At the end of these 2-3-4 days of events, not one single case of accident or any untoward event took place.

“It was a celebration of a great man and Anambra was very pleased with the efforts of everyone.’’

Nnachetta added: “Ekwueme was largely by-partisan. But Anambra has been having state funeral; in recent past Anambra has buried Chinua Achebe, it cut across many lines; Ikemba Nnewi, which also cut across several lines’’.

However, Ekwueme persona was not on a combative side.

“Ekwueme personae is patriarchal and thoughtful. He made friends across political stretch and many of them have things to say.’’

Indeed, the federal government had directed that he should be accorded `National Burial’ and it was up to all states involved to appropriately align with the directive.

The Governor’s Forum also committed to according the elder statesman the National burial. Indeed, all had the duty to liaise with the immediate family to get things to work.

The government and people of Anambra State showed uncommon commitment toward according befitting funeral to deserving elder statesman, who was interred at his ancestral home, Oko.

The work-free day declared by Governor Willie Obiano enabled many to go and pay their last respects to remains of Ide Aguata, Ekwueme.

Anali Chude, the Anambra State attorney-general and commissioner for Justice, hailed Obiano for rallying Ndi Anambra to accord `a wonderful funeral to a deserving personage’.

“Ekwueme was an upright man that was committed to progress of the state, even across party lines. He held the government and people of Anambra in high esteem.

“It is only fair that he should be treated well even when `outside of jurisdiction’.’’

Even the Anambra State Elder’s Council, apparently impressed at turn of events, in a statement expressed their appreciation to the federal government for support and contribution toward befitting funeral accorded Ekwueme.

The Council, then, commended governors of the South East Zone, especially Anambra State Government for acknowledging the outstanding legacies that Ide Aguata left in politics — integrity, public service and patriotism.

Emeka Anyaoku, the chairman of the Council, noted that the late elder statesman contributed immensely to the political development of the country.

Obiageliaku Umeadi, the acting director, Ministry of Information, gave kudos to Obiano for giving a befitting funeral’.

“It was marvellously-celebrated event. It was `Royalty’ at its best.’’

Benjamin Umerah, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Information, said “the Square and Oko were cosily decorated.

“The chariot-bearing the corpse was only reminiscent of events that happen at Number 10, Downing Street in England.

“The public address systems, the seating arrangements were perfect. It had all the trappings details in aesthetic finishing. The memorial service was remarkable.’’

– Feb. 7, 2018 @ 18:10 GMT |