''President Buhari has so far spent N1bn on Alex Ekwueme'' Chris Ngige

Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige , yesterday revealed that President Buhari has so far spent N1 billion on former Vice President, late Dr. Alex Ekwueme , since the day the former Vice president fell ill until when he died on November 19th 2017. The Minister revealed this when he spoke on Sunday at Ekwueme’s hometown in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area ofA nambra State after inspecting facilities for the burial of the late VP.


While saying that road rehabilitation alone in Anambra State and neighbouring communities of Imo and Abia states in preparation for Ekwueme’s burial had gulped about N480m, Ngige said Federal Government was not leaving anything to chance in ensuring that the Ekwueme family enjoy the role their late patriarch played in building a better Nigeria.

“You know that I belong to the Ekwueme family.  I’m part of that family. I’m in various committees and subcommittees for the burial of this great statesman. I can tell you authoritatively that Mr President (Buhari) is committed and passionate in ensuring a befitting burial for Ekwueme. If he doesn’t come for the burial himself, I’m sure the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will be here for the burial as a matter of right. So, I’m here to inspect the facilities in preparation for his burial; and I can tell you that I’m satisfied with the progress of work. The Federal Government is doing rehabilitation works on Amawbia/Ekwulobia road, up to Uga and Akokwa in Imo State. We’re also doing road rehabilitation on Oko/Umunze road up to Ibinta in Abia State. The Federal Government is building the mausoleum, which will contain a modern library and other facilities and I also know the cost of that too. And remember that the Federal Government took up all the medical bills of flying him abroad and bringing him back to Nigeria from London upon his death. The cost of hiring an air ambulance is not a joke. So, Buhari has honoured this Igbo son in all ramifications. He has committed not less than a billion naira in this project because he is passionate about it,” Ngige said.

Born October 21,1932, the former Vice President who served under Former President Shehu Shagari, died on Sunday 19th November 2017 at a London hospital and will be buried on February 2nd.