The South-East Governors’ Forum on Monday expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s former Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.
In a statement issued by the chairman of the forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, the group described Ekwueme’s death as the end of an era.
In the statement, Umahi said the death was a rude shock and a great loss to Ndigbo in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
“The death of our father and leader is devastating, especially within this period that his advice is needed most.
“He was a great Nigerian who believed in the unity of the country and we have learnt a lot from his deep political sagacity, as his children.
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“We have lost a gem, gentleman, decent politician and academia as the South-East, through its governors, would soon map out programmes to pay its last respect to the fallen Iroko tree.”
Ekwueme died at a London clinic at about 10 p.m. on Sunday at the age of 85.
It would be recalled that earlier in Nigeria, he was taken to Memfys Nuerosurgery Hospital in Enugu shortly after he slumped.
It was from the hospital that he was moved to London for further medical attention on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ekwueme was the Vice President to Alhaji Shehu Shagari between 1979 and 1984.
