Ndukuba, Soludo, Obi pay tributes as Archbishop Anikwenwa is buried

Religious and political leaders, yesterday, paid glowing tributes to the former Dean, Church of Nigeria and archbishop of the defunct Province Two, late Most Rev. Maxwell Anikwenwa, during his funeral service at St. Faith Cathedral Church, Awka, Anambra State.

Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, and several others described the deceased as a true servant of God, saying he would be greatly missed by the Church and the nation.

Ndukuba described Anikwenwa as a selfless patriarch, master builder and pioneer bishop of the diocese, who laid solid foundation for his successors.

He said: “Archbishop Anikwenwa loved God and His people. He lived a life of sacrifice and servanthood. He cherished Church Missionary Society (CMS) and Anglican heritage.

“He gave specific instructions on how and where he’ll be buried in line with the church’s doctrine. He was a good team player, invested in people and left indelible legacies. As a good soldier that fought till the end, he’s looking forward for eternal reward.”

While sympathising with the family, Ndukuba prayed God to watch over them, and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Obi said the deceased would be remembered for his commitment in advocating for a better Nigeria, good governance and selfless service.

He said: “The late archbishop was not only a man of God, but a great Nigerian who contributed meaningfully, beyond his pastoral work, to building Nigeria.

While underscoring the place of sacrifice among public servants, Obi said it was regrettable that today’s leaders only preach sacrifice without sacrificing themselves.

On his part, Governor Soludo said the late Archbishop Anikwenwa reflected ecumenism, which his administration stands for, urging other ministers of God to emulate such lifestyle for peaceful society.

Soludo, who spoke through his deputy, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, commiserated with the family members, encouraging them to take solace in the fact that their late father lived a good life, and served God, as well as humanity, well.