By Rose Oranye and Chikaodi Chukwuleta
Thousands of people thronged the International Convention Centre(ICC), Awka, Anambra State, today(Thursday) to pay last respect to former governor of the state, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, whose remains will be buried tomorrow (Friday) at his hometown, Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area.
The event was the Commendation Service organized in his honour by the state government, which attracted the governor of the state, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Speaker and members of Anambra State House of Assembly, past governors – Virgy Etiaba and Chief Willie Obiano,who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Willie Nwokoye, top government officials, traditional rulers, leaders of Ohanézè Ndígbo, Presidents-General of town unions, civil servants, officials of various security agencies, among others.
The venue was agog with various traditional dances, while civil servants and various groups were seen seated according to their various ministries and groups.
Governor Soludo, in his remarks, on behalf of his family and the entire ndị Anambra, thanked the Mbadinuju Family, stating that “we will never forget.
“Dr Mbadinuju lived a life of impact. We are here to simply say thank you to Odera…He came, he saw, he conquered”.
The governor, who observed that not many people would live a life of service like the late governor, recalled that as at the time he was governor, people were afraid to come into the state because of insecurity just as it was when he (Soludo) took over.
“You thought us to pray. Today, as we say thank you, we not only pray on Mondays at the Governor’s Lodge, but begin everyday with church service… It’s indeed not just well with Anambra State but it’s well with your soul,” Soludo said.
Also speaking, former deputy governor of Anambra State, who served under the late Governor Mbadinuju, Dr Chinedu Emeka, who said he enjoyed collaborative relationship with the deceased, stated that Anambra State stands as a testimony to the victories achieved by Odera during his tenure.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr ABC Orjiakor, in his opening remarks thanked Governor Soludo for the well deserved honour they have accorded Odera, adding that the late governor was committed to transformational development of the state.
Speaking to our reporter in an interview at the event, Vice President, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Okeke Ogene said: “Mbadinuju was very kind and humane. A lot of subordinates spoiled his ambition; a lot of opposition around him. He was a good man that was wrongly misunderstood”.
Wife of former Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs Ifeoma Ekwueme said: “Nothing is reserved in his heart. He was a joker; a Christan to the core, who believed and trusted in the lord.He loved sports – lawn tennis, which he played with my husband.”
According to Igwe Michael Idigo of Aguleri,” Odera was a man of many parts, but graciously misunderstood . He was fearless,a good governor. A day like this will come for everybody, but we should be mindful of what we do. I have come to pay my last respect to him as somebody who has impacted on my life as a governor. I pray that everybody here will pray for him that God will grant him eternal rest”.
