Nwifuru, Umahi, Elechi, Anyim Extol late Imo Deputy Governor
The Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru, Minister for Works, Sen David Umahi, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, and former Governor, Marthin Elechi yesterday described
former Imo State Deputy Governor, Chief Francis Orji as a patriotic Nigerian, upright Politician and a revered community Leader.
They made the disclosure during the burial ceremony of the prominent founding father of the State at his Ichita Ukpai villa hometown, Owutu Edda, Edda local government area of the State.
Chief Orji who passed on at the age of 89 years after a brief illness was interred after church service presided by the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki, Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie.
Governor Francis Nwifuru in his tribute noted that the illustrious son of the State would be greatly missed and urged his family, relatives and well-wishers to emulate the legacies of the late elder statesman.
“Only our positive legacies survive after we are no more. I have said it many times that you can take everything out of a man but you can’t take away his legacies.
“Our father, His Excellency, Chief Francis Orji left tremendous legacies in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
“His legacies will live forever. For this reason, we are here to pay our last respect to him. late Chief Francis Ama Orji lived a sacrificial life that thrived by patriotism, love, fear of God and humanity with a pure passion for excellence.
“He met wonderful people in his lifetime and made many friends around the world.”
Sen Umahi, Chief Martin Elechi and the former Senate President, Sen Anyim Pius Anyim noted that the wise advice and contribution to the development of the State would be missed.
The first son of the deceased and former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Blaise Orji said he will miss his father greatly.
“What his Excellency the governor said, marks it all and I am sure you heard him clear unless you want me to start shedding tears again “, he said.
Other leaders who attended the burial ceremony included a former Secretary to Old Anambra State, Senator Chris Nwankwo, Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, member representing Afikpo/Edda federal constituency, Iduma Igariwey former Deputy governors of the state, Professor Chigozie Ogu and Dr. Kelechi Igwe, former Ministers among others. Ends.
