Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, says President Muhammadu Buhari will ensure former Vice President, late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, gets a befitting burial.
He said Buhari had committed about N1bn on Ekwueme from the day the Federal Government took over his medical bills to date.
Ngige spoke on Sunday at Ekwueme’s hometown in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State after inspecting facilities for the burial of the late VP.
“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.
“I know the cost of all this, not less than N480m.
“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”.
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