Eulogies were poured on former Vice President of Nigeria, Alex Ekwueme, on Sunday with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo describing him as fearless and full of integrity.
The eulogies were given at the Service of Songs and Night of Tribute held in Abuja.
Ekwueme died in a London hospital on November 19, 2017 at the age of 85.
Speaking on the virtues of the former vice president, Osinbajo said he served the nation very well and campaigned for its oneness.
He said he was not only humble, but listened to people around him and learnt a lot.
Osinbajo also applauded him for the role he played in the nation’s return to democracy after a long period of military rule.
His words: “As Vice President, he set an excellent example of loyalty, discipline, team spirit and fidelity to the nation.
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“He was fearless and with the courage of his convictions, he led the G-34, the group of eminent Nigerians who confronted military dictatorship in its darkest and most fearsome days in Nigeria’s history.
“He contributed significantly to the return of democracy in 1999.’’
Osinbajo said Ekwueme, also at the international scene, contributed meaningfully to the society.
He said he built bridges across ethnic and religious lines.
He said his uprightness was seen in the fact that he was cleared of any abuse of office when he was incarcerated by the military after they toppled the government of Shehu Shagari in which he was the vice president.
“His values, like himself, remain relevant in every age and time,’’ he stated.
Former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, also spoke well of Ekwueme at the occasion.
Represented by his son, Aminu Shagari, he said: “He lived a simple and uncomplicated life.’’
Shagari said he nominated to run with Ekwueme twice because of his high level of discipline and integrity.
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, said he was not mourning but celebrating because God chose to give Nigeria such a good man.
Also present among others at the occasion were the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Prof. Jerry Ghana; Prof Uzodimma Nwala, and the younger brother of the deceased, Prof. Laz Ekwueme.
They all paid glowing tribute to him.
