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From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
Governor Francis Nwifuru, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former governors; Martin Elechi and David Umahi were among prominent Nigerians that attended the burial of former Abia and Imo Deputy Governor, Chief Francis Orji. Orji passed away at 89.
The remains of the foremost founding father of Ebonyi State, were interred in his Ichita Ukpai Villa hometown, Owutu Edda, Edda Local Government Area of the state on Friday. Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu presided over the funeral service.
Orji was Deputy Governor between 1990 and 1992 and was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the federal government.
Nwifuru in his tribute, described the deceased as a patriotic and illustrious son of Ebonyi State, an upright politician and revered community leader who would be greatly missed.
He urged his family, relatives and well-wishers to emulate the legacies of the late elder statesman.
“Only our positive legacies survive after we are no more. I have said it many times that you can take everything out of a man but you can’t take away his legacies.
“Our father, Chief Francis Orji left tremendous legacies in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
The first son of the deceased and former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Blaise Orji said he would miss his father greatly.
Chairman planning committee of the burial, George Ukpai described the late Orji as a man of compassion, a man with charitable disposition, a man that fought for the common good, a man that cried when the poor wept, a man that touched many lives and a man whose legacies will continue to vibrate in the entire country and among generations to come.
