Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State said on Friday that the late ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, was a defender of democracy and justice.
Speaking at a valedictory service by the state government in honour of the former member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party in Umuahia, Ikpeazu said the deceased was an astute politician who stood for good governance, justice and equity.
He said: “Death is simply an affirmation of Shakespeare’s deposition that describes our presence on earth as a stage.
“When we have played our parts then we depart. It is though painful but that is how it is.”
Ikpeazu said the occasion was organised for the state and friends of the deceased to reflect on his life and time.
The Chairman of the PDP BoT, Senator Walid Jubrin, said the death of Maduekwe was a loss to the board and the entire body of the PDP.
Jubrin said “Ojo Maduekwe lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation”.
Also speaking, Prof. Jerry Gana, another member of the board, said the deceased was a man of distinction and was always full of ideas, adding that the country had lost a political “juggernaut”.
Gana said: “He served our great party.
“He stood out and provided knowledge for our direction.
“We are here to celebrate a man of character.”
On his part, Senator Ben Obi, the Secretary of the party’s caretaker committee, said it was painful to bid farewell to a man who could be described as the champion of political and intellectual discourse.
Obi in his tribute offered his condolences to the family of the deceased, urging them to be strong.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia South) said the deceased taught him an enduring lesson of being strong in the face of challenges, adding that Maduakwe would forever be remembered.
Also speaking, Dr. Uma Maduekwe, a representative of the bereaved family, expressed delight with the state government and all the people who had graced the occasion.
He said: “I earnestly thank the Abia State Government, the leadership of the PDP, friends and business partners of our late brother for identifying with the family in this moment of grief.”
A special court session was also held in honour of the deceased with the Chief Judge of Abia State, the attorney-general and other legal luminaries in attendance.
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