Saraki Pays Tribute To Alex Ekwueme: ‘A Rare Man, Great Leader, Will Be Missed’

Senate President Bukola Saraki on Monday, mourned late former Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme, describing him as a rare man and great leader.

Saraki in a statement on his official Twitter handle, described the former VP as one of Nigeria’s most illustrious son.

Today, I join Ndigbo and the entire nation to mourn the passing of one of Nigeria’s most illustrious sons, H.E. Dr. Alex Ekwueme, our first elected Vice-President.

As we mourn his death, we celebrate his dedication and service to the development of our country.

— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) November 20, 2017

I will always remember Dr. Alex Ekwueme for his exemplary courage in the face of overwhelming odds — when he stood up to past military regimes, and his dexterity in his personal pursuits as a successful architect, lawyer, businessman and philanthropist.

— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) November 20, 2017

I pray for God’s strength for Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s family at this difficult time.

May the Almighty in His infinite wisdom and grace continue to guide the family and the nation that he has left behind.

He was a rare man and a great leader, as such, he will be missed.

— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) November 20, 2017

Alex Ekwueme died on Sunday night, Nov. 19, 2017 in London Hospital.

The elder statesman, who turned 85 years in October, was reported to have collapsed in his residence in Enugu a few weeks ago.

He was immediately taken to Memfys Nuerosurgery Hospital in Enugu from where 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.

Born on Oct. 21, 1932, he started primary school at St. John’s Anglican Central School, Ekwulobia, Anambra and later attended King’s College, Lagos.

He got Fulbright Scholarship in the U.S., being one of the first Nigerian to gain the award.

He attended University of Washington where he earned bachelor’s degree in Architecture and city planning.

He also obtained master’s degree in urban planning and degrees in sociology, history, philosophy and law from the University of London.

Ekwueme participated in the National Constitutional Conference in Abuja, where he served on the Committee on Structure and Framework of the Constitution.