Former governors of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor
Kalu and Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, yesterday paid their last respect to
the former Secretary to the State Government
of Abia State, the late Dr.
Elekwachi Nwaogbo, as the funeral of the ex- government scribe.
The ceremony, held at Ntala Akwu, Oboro in
Ikwuano Local Government area of the state, brought together the two former
governors, who had not been seen in public like that for many years. It was
however a sour experience for T.A Orji as he was booed by his constituents when
he stood to speak at the ceremony.
The late Nwaogbo served as SSG under Kalu,
while Senator Orji was the Chief of Staff.
The event, which was well attended by top
government officials and constituents of Abia Central Senatorial Zone, witnessed a mild drama when the two former governors were
called respectively to give their tributes to the deceased.
Kalu who spoke first sympathized with the
family, adding that the former SSG was part of the team that made his
government a success.
He referred to the deceased as a true friend
who did not turn a traitor unlike others.
Kalu’s encomiums received a spontaneous
thunderous applause when he listed what his then government achieved through
the support of Nwaogbo as SSG.
He said: “ As a member of our government, he
contributed to the timely payment of workers’ salaries. He contributed towards making sure that
pensioners got their pensions on time without fear or favour. He encouraged
free medical care for Abians and supported free education when I was governor.
He contributed to the well being of Abia State University, which was a very
good university when we were there.
“It was a university everybody wanted to
attend and associate with. All these happened when Abia was still Abia. Dr.
Nwogbo was not just a friend, but also a brother and I am sure we shall
continue in the brotherhood. He was an honest adviser of our government. He
wasn’t a traitor like some people we trained, but who turned to traitors and
sold their leaders.”
The eminent business mogul said he suspended
all other engagements on learning of the burial. “I am supposed to be in United
States, but chose to be here to pay him the last respect and this is a respect
he deserves.”
In his tribute, Senator Orji said that Nwaogbo
was a good man, whose popularity grew from the hospital he built and dedicated
for the care of women.
He drew a loud murmur from the mourners when
he declared that “Abia is still Abia and nothing had gone wrong in Abia,” and
added that he was the only governor who successfully became a senator in the
state.
Also, former Senate President, Chief Adolphus
Wabara, said Nwaogbo, as a council member of Abia State University, set a yet
-to –be- beaten record.
Other prominent Abians in attendance were
deputy governor of the state, Ude Oko Chukwu; House of Representatives member,
Hon. Sam Onuigbo, immediate past SSG, Eme Okoro; former Chief of Staff to the
governor, Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu; among
others.
0 Comments