Former President Shehu Shagari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have joined other Nigerians in paying last respect to late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme who died at the age of 85.
They paid their tributes at a commendation service held in honour of the late former vice president at the Okpara Square, Enugu on Wednesday.
Shagari, who was represented by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, said Ekwueme remained a detribalised Nigerian who promoted national unity in every sphere.
He said the news of Ekwueme’s death came to the people of Sokoto as a shock, adding that his demise came when the country needed his thoughtful wisdom the more.
He said: “I will describe him as a detribalised Nigerian, a bridge builder and one who stood for unity and peace.
“He was forthright and simple in all his deals, which stood him out.”
Abubakar, in his tribute, said Ekwueme remained a great ally and a senior brother, who always had great advice to give at any time.
Abubakar said during his personal interaction with him, he found out that the late political icon was a fountain of wisdom and intellect.
“His work and reach traversed the length and breadth of the country as he worked with anyone irrespective of their tribe and religion,” he said.
Contributing, the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, urged Nigerians to emulate Ekwueme’s humility even in the face of injustice.
Ekweremadu said: “Someone who loves progress and not given to attitude of sabotaging other people’s effort even when it is not going in his favour.
“A character full of wisdom and patience; always acting as a leader, which God had created him to be.”
The President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who spoke in Igbo language, said a great man had exited and it would take time for Igbos to have someone vast and knowledgeable like Ekwueme.
Nwodo said: “In education, he tested his mind and intellect on most field of learning.
“Most of the thoughts he advocated and promoted are yielding positive result for the country today.
“As a serving minister while he was the Vice-President, Ekwueme advocated the establishment of the six geopolitical zones and the Ministry of Science and Technology in the country.”
Nwodo, however, urged the people of the zone to use their intellect to work for the country and the South East as Ekwueme had exemplified.