Former FCT Minister mourns late ex-VP

Mr

Abbah-Gana, who is also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, paid his tribute to Ekwueme in a statement he signed on Saturday in Abuja.

He described Ekwueme as a great Nigerian leader and statesman, who had been a trusted and tested democrat.

“A great Nigerian leader and statesman has departed. A trusted and tested democrat.

“A proven patriot and nationalist and second to none team player.

“He came to the national limelight as Vice President from Oct 1979 to 31st Dec 1983.

“His immense contributions to the 1994 and 1995 National Constitutional Conference endeared him to the generality of Nigerians.”

The former minister said that Ekwueme was a real hero, stating that the intellect he displayed in the fight for rule of law and democracy in Nigeria distinguished him among other leaders.

Abbah-Ghana also mentioned that Ekwueme possessed high moral values and fear of God.

Still recounting Ekwueme’s qualities, Abbah-Gana said his acceptance of defeat in the 1999 PDP presidential primaries in Jos, showed he was a man of peace and unity.

“Above all his acceptance of defeat in the 1999 PDP Presidential primaries held in Jos showed his love for one united Nigeria and faith in democratic institutions and processes.

“He sowed the seed for the enduring democracy and democratic order and rule of law, which we now cherish and enjoy.

“His family is definitely in sorrow but Nigerians who know his value and deeds are in more sorrow because they have lost a redeemer, nation builder and a just and dependable leader.”

He prayed that,the Almighty God grant the Ekwueme’s family the fortitude to bear this great loss and may his soul rest in perfect peace.