The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Dr Victor Oye has faulted the federal government over claims that it was spending about N1billion for the burial of late former vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme.
Oye said Ekwueme was worth over N1billion both in his contribution to humanity and in the politics of Nigeria, and as such should not be seen as being favoured by a N1billion burial expenditure.
Dr Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment had last weekend disclosed that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government was commiting close to N1billion to ensure that the late politician was given a befitting burial.
But Oye while reacting to the claim said Ekwueme deserved more than N1billion burial budget from the Federal Government.
Speaking with DAILY POST in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Tuesday, Oye described the late Vice President as a man of means who on his own achieved greatness.
He said, “What is N1billion to Ekwueme? He deserved more than that. Ekwueme is worth more than N100bn by his personal achievements. He was a rich man by every definition.
“If I were the Federal Government, I won’t have pronounced the figure because Ekwueme deserved more than that. He deserved a befitting burial for what he did for this country. He was a detribalised Nigerian; wealthy but humble.”
He described Ekwueme as the highest ranking Igbo man that ever existed since after the civil war of 1967-1970.
“Nigerians yet unborn would remember this great man because his contributions to national development were immense,” he added.
Oye suggested to the federal government to immortalise Ekwueme by naming a street at the capital territory, Abuja, after him; set up a foundation in his memory or name a Federal university after him.
He commended President Buhari and the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, for their efforts in ensuring that Ekwueme would be given a befitting burial on Friday.
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