Governor Francis Nwifuru , former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former governor David Umahi and other prominent leaders have paid glowing tributes to the former governor of Ebonyi state, Chief Martin Elechi.
Speaking at the Christian Ecumenical center, Abakaliki during the grand reception in honour of the former governor on his 83rd birthday celebration, governor Francis Nwifuru described Elechi as one of the most respected elders in the state, Igbo land, and the nation in general.
He commended the former governor for his outstanding contributions to democratic governance and the cause of progressive politics.
“Chief Elechi no doubt remains one of our respected elder statesmen in Ebonyi State who continues to offer rare insights and counsel on how best to organise our state, with the benefits of hindsight, for effective governance. I have benefited immensely from Chief Elechi’s knowledge and perspectives on a wide range of issues as they affect our state".
"As an astute politician, he has been part of every political epoch in our state. Beyond his sagely contributions to our development and political evolution over the decades, the most enduring aspects of his enviable life are his forthrightness, integrity, reliability, and spartan life".
“Those who witnessed the tenure of Chief Elechi as the Governor can attest to the fact that he deployed tact, deft, probity, accountability, respect for the rule of law, and respected the State Civil Service".
"As a former governor of Ebonyi State, he dutifully served the people with tremendous success from 2007 to 2015. Industrial laxity, disregard for due process, and ethical breaches were all history during his time as governor. He doggedly institutionalised punctuality and discipline in the workplace".
“As a committed democrat, die-hard progressive, and prudent yet compassionate leader of men, Chief Elechi has done much for this state and the progressive family,”
"On this special day that we celebrate the birthday of our revered and cherished elder statesman and leader, I join his family, friends and other associates to congratulate and commend him for his outstanding contributions to democratic governance and the cause of progressive politics and governance in our state". He stated.
Former Senate President Anyim Pius who chaired the occasion described Chief Martin Elechi as a resilient and one of the most uncompromising persons among the founding fathers of Ebonyi State who fought diligently for the creation of Ebonyi State.
He observed that the celebration of Chief Elechi is one of the best decisions Ebonyi State government has made, adding that the likes Chief Martin Elechi and Chief Arthur Mbanefo need to be duly recognized in the book of political history in Nigeria, especially in view of their noble roles in the creation of South East States, which have given the South Easterners their pride of place in Nigerian political landscape.
“This event is to honour the womb that gave birth to the great sons and daughters of this part of the nation called Ebonyi State. By reason of the creation of Ebonyi State, Ebonyi has moved from a rural farming community to a prominent stakeholder in the politics and economy of Nigeria".
"Today, we celebrate the creation of Ebonyi State. Today, we celebrate the resilience and sacrifices of the founding fathers of Ebonyi State".
"Today, we celebrate the achievements of Ebonyi as a state. Today, we celebrate H/E Chief Martins Nwancho Elechi, the foremost patriot who fought for the creation of Ebonyi State and secured the opportunities all of us are enjoying today".
“It is true that Chief Elechi was the Governor of Ebonyi State, but I tell you, that was just a calling to fill a vacuum, which he accepted in his usual willingness to make the utmost sacrifice for the Ebonyi people,” he said.
On their part , the former governors in the state Dr Sam Egwu and David Umahi commended Chief Martin Elechi for his roles in the creation of the state as well as his developmental strides when he presided over as Governor.
The Guest Lecturer of the event, Chief Nnia Nwodo described Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi as a man of integrity, a role model, a unifier, a great investor and a principled father who has impacted positively to the lives of many not just in Ebonyi State but also in Nigeria at large, stressing that he has left legacy projects in Ebonyi State including construction of unity bridges, Oferekpe water scheme and many other laudable projects that have defined his fatherly role and political acumen.
The celebrant Chief Elechi, in his remarks, lauded Governor Francis Nwifuru for organising the event in his honour, describing it as the best gift to him. He opined that the governor has opened a new chapter in governance and assured his continued support for his administration. He commended the Ebonyi leaders for the unity among them.
The former Governor was later conferred with the highest State honour of the Great Grand Commander Ebonyi Hall of Fame by governor Francis Nwifuru.
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