Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the passage of Igwe Alex Ezeoba Nwokedi, the Uthoko of Achalla.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement said Buhari commiserated with the Uthoko Na Eze Royal Family, the people of Achalla community, and the Anambra State government and with the Igwe-in-Council of Achalla on the passage of the former chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, and former chairman of Nine Eastern States Council of Traditional Rulers.
The President recalled the contributions of the departed to national development as Manager, Group Public Affairs of the NNPC, and as Chief Press Secretary to the then Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo as military head of state from 1976 to 1979, adding that the deceased had left his footprints on the sands of time.
Also, former vice president Atiku Abubakar paid tributes to the late Igwe Alex Nwokedi, describing him as a colourful Nigerian and a highly revered and influential traditional ruler.
In a statement released by his Media Office in Abuja, the former Vice President said the demise of Igwe came at a critical time when the nation needed “tested ideas to move forward”.
The former vice president noted that Igwe Nwokedi was very passionate about his people and their progress, adding that he would be sorely missed.