Again, South-East govs shun burial

Again, the South-East governors yesterday shunned the burial of former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Raph Uwechue.

They were also absent at the service of songs organised in Enugu on Thursday for the late former president of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

But unlike the service of songs where Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State sent a representative in the person of Chief Dom Ubani, the Abia State Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Minerals, none of them sent a representative to the burial, which took place in his home town, Ogwuashi-Uku, Delta State.

But the absence of the governors was hardly noticeable because of the presence of prominent Igbo sons and daughters at the ceremony.

They included former Senate President and Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim who also represented President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the burial ceremony, for Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former number two citizen under military President Ibrahim Babagida, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe.

Others were the former military governor of Lagos State, Ndubuisi Kanu, former governors of Anambra State, Peter Obi, Dr. Chris Ngige and Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu.

Also at the funeral ceremony, held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church were Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, His Royal Highness, Eze (Prof.) Laz Ekwueme, President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Gary Enwo-Igariwey, Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Intra-Party Matters, Dr. Ben Obi, among others.

Other dignitaries at the occasion were the host governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Onyeabo Obi, retired Colonel Okweche, the Olikeze of Igbuzor, business mogul and former publisher of the rested Post Express, Chief Sunny Odogwu among others.

Saturday Sun also observed that condolence letters and tributes from many notable Nigerians were published in the funeral mass programme except those of the former governors, thereby fuelling speculations if they actually sent one.

The letter of tribute written by former President Chief Olesugun Obasanjo and addressed to the widow of Raph Uwechue, which though was not published in the programme, was read at the graveside of the former diplomat and publisher of the defunct African Magazine.

In his homily during the funeral mass, the Bishop of Isselle-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Michael Elue said death was a necessary end.

He explained that there were two realities including that man came into the world composed and would leave at some point in time decomposed, stressing that while the first elicit joy and happiness, the former was frightening and no one would wish for it.

Bishop Elue described death as leveller that visits both the poor and the rich, noting however that the soul of the righteous was in the hands of God.

President Goodluck Jonathan in his message said, Uwechue epitomises the finest ideals of international diplomacy and uncommon commitment to dedicated service to his fatherland.

On his part, Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan described the late Uwechue as a bridge builder and an expert in conflict resolution who was most needed at this time of the nation’s security challenges.

Uduaghan urged Nigerians to continue to support the Federal Government in its efforts to curb insurgency, even as he urged youths to desist from violent crimes of armed robbery and kidnapping but to channel their energies toward meaningful ventures by emulating the legacies of the late Ambassador.