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Late Dr. Alex Ekwueme

Nigeria’s former vice president, Dr. Alex ekwueme is dead.
The family broke the news in a statement issued by His Royal majesty, Professor Laz Ekwueme, the Igwe of Oko.

The statement reads:“The Ekwueme family regrets to announce the peaceful passing away of their patriarch, the former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme GCON.
“The sad event occurred at the London Clinic at 10:00 pm on Sunday 19th November 2017.”
Ekwueme, who celebrated his 85th birthday on October 21, was reported to have collapsed at his home on October 29 and was rushed to Memfys Hospital of Neurosurgery, Enugu, where he was treated for a chest infection.
He was later flown to London in an air ambulance on November 12 on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ekwueme, an architect and lawyer, was elected as Nigeria’s vice president in 1979, a position he held until December 1983 when the Shehu Shagari government was overthrown in a military coup in December 1983 that installed Major General Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state, who later organized the arrest and incarceration of many politicians, including the late vice president and the governors of the elected administration.

Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has commiserated with Governor
Willie Obiano and the people of Anambra State on the death of former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme (GCON), who died on Sunday in a London hospital at 85 years.

Governor Okowa also conveyed his condolences to the family of the late Elder Statesman particularly the Oko Kingdom, describing him as a committed patriot who served our nation at the highest levels with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication.

In a statement in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, the Governor said he was saddened by the demise of the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The statement reads: “I am deeply saddened by the death of elder statesman and former Vice President of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme (GCON), who passed on at the age
of 85 years”.

“He was a committed patriot, an astute politician and altruistic Vice President who worked assiduously to better the lots of his people and Nigerians in general”.

“Through his purposeful leadership and development strides, the late Ekwueme influenced the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Oko which brought about unprecedented development of the Oko Kingdom in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Governor Okowa remarked that as a democrat, the late Ekwueme etched his name in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic advancement by working courageously for the emergence and consolidation of the Fourth Republic in 1999 when he joined forces with other leaders to form the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

“Before venturing into politics Ekwueme brought great pride to the country through his exemplary and pioneering efforts as the Doyen of Architecture in Nigeria.”

“His good works as a dedicated family man, accomplished professional, selfless politician and great philanthropist would continue to live after him”.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I convey our deepest sympathy to the Ekwueme family, the Government and good people of Anambra State, and the rest of the country.

“May his soul find eternal repose in the bosom of the Almighty God,” the Governor declared.