Governors of the Southeast have raised N28 million to celebrate the 80th birthday of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme.

The climax of the celebration, which started in Abuja, is billed for tomorrow. It will take place at the Okpara Square in Enugu.

Former Senate President Ken Nnamani, who is the chairman of the organising committee, told reporters in Enugu yesterday that the Igbo are rolling out the drums for Ekwueme.

He said the celebration will cut across the political divide as the stature of Ekwueme deserves a national honour.

According to him, it is not only when one is dead that his achievements are celebrated and he is honoured.

“For the first time, the five governors of the Southeast are honouring a great son of Ndigbo, alive,” Nnamani said.

Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, said Ekwueme deserved to be celebrated because of his enormous contributions to the political development of Nigeria.

He recalled that Ekwueme was the brain behind the present six geo-political zones, which is being considered to be entrenched in the Constitution.

Nwodo also recalled the role of Ekwueme in stopping General Sani Abacha from transmutting from military to civilian leadership.

“He went from there to form the largest party in Africa which brought both the conservatives and progressives under one umbrella,” Nwodo said.

According to him, Ekwueme’s dream of taking Nigeria to a greater height could not be actualised because he was denied the opportunity at the last hour.

“Despite these setbacks, Ekwueme remains the man to be celebrated. Ndigbo will celebrate him with grand cultural fanfare,” Nwodo added.

At the media event were other members of the organising committee including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Agunwa Anaekwe; former Minister for Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji; Sen. Nnamdi Eriobuna; Mr. Ken Emecheta, Mr. Jerry Ene and Mrs. Nmutaka Okpara.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news/southeast-governors-vote-n28m-for-ekwuemes-80th-birthday/

N28m is too much.

Not bad, since he is a hero to them.
Nothing is too much for a legend whose worth is known to his people.

Paul John: Not bad, since he is a hero to them.
Nothing is too much for a legend whose worth is known to his people.

I disagree especially if they are donating from their state coffers.

Prof Corruption:

I disagree especially if they are donating from their state coffers.

Really?
How many billions do you think S/West States can spend to celebrate Awo's birthday if he's alive?! (Just an assumption)

He's their Hero, they can go extra mile to do whatever they like to make him happy.
Him Worthless to you doesn't make him a common fellow to his people