Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, serving senators from the state and outside the state, former governors of the state on Friday bid farewell to Senator Anyim Ude, who represented Ebonyi South zone at the Senate between 2007 and 2011.
Ude, a veteran Journalist, ace broadcaster and former Commissioner in the state, died at 82 on May 15, 2023.
He was buried in his Iyioji Akaeze hometown, Ivo Local Government Area of the state.
Akpabio said the late Ude left indelible legacies that would be difficult to fill.
Akpabio who was represented by former Governor David Umahi said that the ninth Senate honoured Ude and the 10th session honoured him three times.
“When his achievements and character were read at the floor of the Senate, everyone stood still,” he stated.
He noted that when character is lost, everything is lost but money, health and others can be replaced.
Ebonyi state governor, Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru specially commended the deceased’s wife for taking care of him while alive.
“Any woman who takes care of her husband up till 80 years of age should be commended especially when it involves only one wife.”
He assured the family that the state government will always support the family.
“The government will also donate N15million to the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church which he built for renovations.
His Eminence, Ekpeyong Akpanika, Prelate and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria urged leaders to emulate the virtues of the deceased and realise that wealth ends on earth.
“Nigerians are currently suffering as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy an the leaders can provide free transportation to cushion the effects.
Dignitories that attended the funeral including former Governors Martin Elechi and Sam Egwu, eulogised the veteran journalist who died at the age of 82.
The burial was witnessed by a large crowd of dignitories and well-wishers from across the country and beyond.