Oko stands still for Ekwueme

The entire Oko community stool still yesterday as their illustrious son and former Vice President of the country Dr Alex Ekwueme was lowered to the tomb.

More than 50,000 people comprising Federal and states government officials ,the clergy, business moguls,security operatives, the academia and other members of public were on ground to bid goodbye to the 85 years old former Vice President.

To ensure a successful burial Oko community had directed that all businesses in the town be closed for the day, so that people will troop out in their numbers to participate in the burial.

Guardian crew who attended the burial observed that the very busy market in Oko  was not functional, while the entire shops  in the town was closed for business.

It was also observed that the road lead into Ekweme’s compound was closed to traffic right from Ekwulobia area and from Agulu on the other side. That, however, did not stop the road from being choked up, because of heavy traffic created by the presence of numerous federal and state officials.

Despite numerous places set up for entertainment, the entire place was filled up with people. Security agencies including the Nigeria Army, police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Tec were all present to ensure peace and free flow of traffic.

They ensured that all vehicles heading to the funeral venue, Oko were parked at Ekwulobia where shuttles were provided to transport mourners to church.

It took security agents hectic time trying to control traffic before personalities could move in and out of the area. Several dance troops from the southeast, south-west, south-south among others graced the occasion. Security personnel also had a swell time
to control the crowd.