TheFederal Government has commenced the burial plans of late former Vice
President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, who died on November 19, 2017, in a London
hospital.
Addressing newsmen yesterday, Secretary
to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who chairs the
burial committee, said it is to ensure that the late elder statesman
gets a a befitting burial.
He was represented by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, at the briefing.
“The death of Alex Ekwueme is, indeed, a
painful loss, not only to his family but to our great nation Nigeria.
His life was dedicated to the service of our beloved country Nigeria.
“And, as the military tribunal panel
stated, after he and other leaders were detained as a result of the
military coup that sacked the civilian government on December 31, 1983
that, ‘Dr. Ekwueme left politics much poorer than he entered it,’ and
has also stated that to ask for more from him was to set a standard in
public life which even saints could not meet.”
Mustapha assured that governments at the federal and South East levels would be fully represented.
“We also urge all individuals and
professional groups whose lives and interests were touched in one way or
the other, by our departed statesman, to be part of the burial
ceremonies as we pay Dr. Alex Ekwueme our last respects.”
The final funeral programme, as released
by the SGF’s office shows, that tomorrow, there will be memorial service
by 2:00pm at Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos while Evening of
Tributes is scheduled for 5:00pm, same day, at The Landmark, Oniru.
On Saturday, at 5:00pm, a memorial service will hold at St. Marylebone Parish Church, London, W1.
On Sunday, January 28, there will be
another Evening of Tributes at the International Conference Centre,
Abuja. The following day, there will be Parade of Honour at the
Presidential Wing Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The body
will then depart immediately to Enugu and will be received by the South
East governors at the Akanu Ibiam International national Airport, Enugu.
In Enugu, there will be Service of Songs
at Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Independence Layout and on
January 31st, there will be South East Zone Commendation Ceremonies by
10am at Okpara Square.
The final funeral service will be held at St. John the Divine Church, Oko, Anambra State, at 11:00am