The ceremony for the burial rites of late former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, continued at the Presidential Wing with the Parade of Honour at the Presidential Wing Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja Monday.
Nigerian Police Force who led the parade brought colour and glamour to the solemn event.
Osinbajo in his remarks noted that Ekwueme was committed to selfless service to the nation, region, Africa and the world.
He said the nation is reminded of the late elder statesman’s timeless ideals of integrity, loyalty and kindness to all.
Osinbajo expressed the hope that the vision and sacrifice of the late Ekwueme for the nation will not be in vain.
The Vice President said, “As we receive the body of the first elected Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme (GCON), this morning, we are reminded of his selfless service to nation, to our region, to Africa and indeed the world. We are reminded of his commitment of the timeless ideals of integrity, of loyalty and kindness to all.
“We thank the almighty God for giving us 85 glorious years of Dr. Alex Ekwueme.
Other notable personalities present were Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of the Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Nkem Okeke, representative of Former President, Shehu Shagari, Hon. Aminu Shagari, Senator Andy Uba who represents Ekwueme’s constituency in the Senate among other members of the National Assembly.
Members of the Federal Executive Council present included the ministers of Agriculture, Federal Capital Territory, Labour and Productivity, Education, Budget and National Planning and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha
Also present were representatives of Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Inspector General of Police, Corp Marshal Federal Road Safety Corps, Boboyi Oyeyemi, representatives of Civil Defence, Customs as well as other paramilitary services.
The ceremony which began at 12:19 included inspection of the parade by Vice President, Osinbajo, movement of the corpse in by pall bearers (Ebony) at 12:26, handing and taking over of corpse by body of Commissioners of Police at 20:30, guard of honour on the corpse 20:31 (rendition of the National Anthem), Vice President Osinbajo and family representative, Pastor Goodheart Ekwueme, joining the parade train and escorting the corpse to Enugu bound plane at 12:39.
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