Obasanjo attributes military, civilian exploits to Ekaette

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that his exploits as military and civilian leader were attributable to the late Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Obong Ufot Ekaette.

Speaking during the burial of the technocrat at the weekend in Onna council area of Akwa Ibom State, Obasanjo submitted: “My achievements in the military, government and other places could not have been made without the late Chief Ekaette and others.

“The late Chief Ekaette was one of the most significant of them to make those achievements possible.

He described the ex-SGF as an epitome of service, integrity, diligence, humility, simplicity, commitment and contentment.

The Owu chief added: “Whichever way you examine his life, you will find these attributes and for us, we only pray for him and pay him last respects.”

According to him, the Akwa Ibom native was “diligently committed to his work, as there was no weekend that he did not go to work.”

In his condolence message, President Muhammadu Buhari described Ekaette as a committed and accomplished public servant.

Represented by the incumbent SGF, Boss Mustapha, the president said the deceased served the nation diligently in various capacities as a career civil servant.

He recalled that the late SGF headed several ministries as permanent secretary with good records to show.

His words: “As a politician, he served as the 14th Secretary to the Government of the Federation and pioneer Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.”

Buhari explained that the “good works and legacy of late Chief Ekaette were a source of pride to the wife, family members, the people of Akwa Ibom and indeed the entire nation.”
His demise, he pointed out, had “deprived Nigerians of the wise counsel of the elder statesman and a committed patriot.”

“On behave of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the wife, Senator Eme Ekaette, the family and the people of the state,” the president said.

He urged the family to be consoled by the fulfilled life Ufot Ekaette lived.

Buhari prayed to God to comfort his wife and family as well grant the departed eternal rest.

Earlier, Governor Udom Emmanuel thanked the dignitaries who graced the event.

“We gathered here this afternoon to celebrate the life of our illustrious son,” he said.

Emmanuel added that the deceased rendered selfless service to the state and the country, adding that the late Ekaette never lived a life of self-aggrandisement.

He noted that his career in public service was a study and service devoid of primordial attachments.