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The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, has faulted claims by Labour and Productivity Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige, that the Federal Government has spent about N1bn on the burial of ex-Vice President Alex Ekwueme, who died November 19, 2017.
During a commendation service in Enugu, Monday, the fiery archbishop described the government’s claim as unacceptable and called for investigation.
Ngige had earlier claimed that the President Muhammadu Buhari government has spent N1bn since taking over the former vice president’s medical bills while he was sick, and even after his death.
Ekwueme’s remains arrived Nigeria from London in the early hours of Monday. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had described him as one of the most detribalized and nationalistic Nigerians who lived and practised the finest democratic ideals.; stressing that the former Vice President built bridges of unity across religion and ethnicity.
Meanwhile, the remains of Ekwueme arrived the Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Monday preparatory to the final burial rites.
The corpse which was flown in a Nigerian Air Force flight NAF918 was received by the South East governors.
The governors present to receive it included Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Gov. Wille Obiano of Anambra and Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo.
A brief prayer was offered to the family of the deceased by the Archbishop, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma.
The corpse was taken to the morgue after a brief stopover at his Independence Layout residence amid a procession by officers of the Nigerian Police, Enugu State Command.
The corpse was covered with the Nigerian flag as the governors took turns to pay their final solemn respect to the deceased.
There will be a commendation service for the late icon at the Cathedral Church of Good Shepherd, Independence Layout on Tuesday, Jan. 30 as well as an interdenominational service at the Okpara Square on Jan. 31.
The body will leave for Awka, Anambra State immediately after the service in Enugu for his final journey home.
