…PDP opens condolence register
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi has said Nigeria and Africa have lost a rare gem with the death of Second Republic Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.
Ekwueme died in a London hospital, on Sunday, November 19, at 10:00pm.
Said Makarfi: “He was a nationalist and peace maker. He was a pillar of democracy and good governance…Adieu,our leader…”
In his tribute, Senator Andy Uba, described Ekwueme’s exit as “loss of a great iconic figure.”
Uba, who represents the immediate constituency of the late vice president, condoled with Ekwueme’s immediate family, the senatorial district and Nigeria, at large.
“Dr. Ekwueme’s selfless contributions to Nigeria’s democracy cannot be over-emphasised. I, therefore, honour his legacy and mourn his loss, alongside his family and Nigerians.”
On his part, PDP National Secretary, Senator Ben Ndi Obi reminisced on Ekwueme’s contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s democracy
“How are the mighty fallen. The pillar of our democracy has gone. The finest and most credible political leader has gone. I cannot be the same again.
“The great man, who brought great intellectual touch to our politics and sustained our democracy, has passed on.”
Similarly, former PDP acting national chairman and aspirant for the same position, at the December 9 convention of the party, Prince Uche Secondus said Ekwueme’s death is a huge loss to the party and the country at large.
“As one of the outstanding founding fathers of our great party, the PDP, his exit now remains very painful as he would have been a utility person in the rebuilding process of our party.
“The leadership of the party would have hoped to tap on his deep, intellectual knowledge of the party, in the reengineering process.”
Meanwhile, the PDP has opened a condolence register in his honour.
The register was opened yesterday.
Party faithful took turns to sign the condolence register at the national secretariat, at Wadata House.