TheCable

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Peter Obi, vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections, were part of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of Chukwuka Iwenjiora, a father in-law to Atiku Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate, in Anambra state on Saturday. 

Iwenjiora, father of Jennifer- one of Abubakar’s wives- was a pioneer staff of the former African Continental Bank and was born on June 4, 1929. 

While giving his tribute at the burial ceremony in Onitsha, Jonathan described Iwenjiora as “a tremendous gift to the south-east, and a man of great resources and compassion.

“His unwavering desire to build human capital endeared him to many in his community and beyond.

“His great accomplishments and dedication to work ethics inspired the younger generation, mostly in the academia and business world.”

The former president added that Iwenjiora was committed to the unity of Nigeria.

In a condolence message, Atiku described his father in-law as “a patriot whose love for the country was immeasurable.” 

He said Iwenjiora was always pained whenever something happened that threatened Nigeria’s unity.

On his part, Emeka Ihedioha, governor of Imo state, who was also at the ceremony, said the nonagenarian died as a great patriot.

 He said Iwenjiora made remarkable contributions to the unity and development of the country.

 “But certainly, his ideas about public policies are still valid and could be helpful in the future,” he said. 

Representatives from the national assembly and Akwa Ibom state government also attended the burial ceremony.  

Iwenjiora is survived by 13 children, 28 grand children, nine great-grand children.