Former Vice President and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has mourned the passing away of former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, describing it as a great loss to the nation at this critical phase of its political life.
In a press statement released by his Media Office in Abuja, Abubakar, the Waziri Adamawa, hailed Dr. Ekwueme as a “great man and democrat”.
He added that Nigeria’s recent history of democracy and nation-building would be incomplete without his input.
Abubakar said Ekwueme’s democratic credentials were of the highest quality, adding that he was always called upon by political leaders in the country, notably in the Peoples Democratic Party, to settle disputes and differences and he never for once was found wanting.
The Waziri Adamawa stated further that Ekwueme, “a man of great learning who had university degrees in multiple disciplines, was a wise man and a statesman, more than a politician”.
Abubakar said while the average politician bothered more and often about the next election and which office they would occupy, the late Vice President concerned himself with the well-being of the country and how it can be better governed for the good of all.
He recalled that at the National Constitutional Conference, 1994-1995, the former Vice President was a star that attracted most other delegates because of his wisdom and moderate position on contentious political issues.
Abubakar said Ekwueme was always a voice of balance, moderation and consensus.
He remembered how in his wisdom and concern about the best structure that would give the best governance to the country, the late Ekwueme came up with the six geopolitical zone structure, which has found its way into our political vocabulary because of its convenient nature and brilliance.
“We were all expecting to welcome him after a few weeks back to his beloved country, Nigeria in good health, only to be confronted by the sad reality of his transition. We cannot question the will of God but only to extend our solidarity and condolences to all who would miss his wisdom and fatherly presence,” Abubakar said.
Abubakar enjoined members of the Ekwueme family, the government and people of Anambra State and the government and people of Nigeria to bear with stoicism the passing on of this great and illustrious political leader.
He said: “Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme would be sorely missed and the void of his exit would be difficult to fill.”