Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State, and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi were among dignitaries who stormed Onitsha, Anambra on Saturday for their last respect to late Chukwuka Iwenjiora, father-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The late Iwenjiora, father of Atiku’s wife, Jennifer, died on January 26.
In his tribute at the burial reception, Mr Jonathan, accompanied by his wife, Patience, described the deceased as “a man of great resources and compassion.”
Jonathan said Iwenjiora’s “unwavering desire to build human capital endeared him to many in his community and beyond.
“His great accomplishments and dedication to work ethics inspired the younger generation, mostly in the academia and business world.
“He was committed to the unity of our beloved country and a tremendous gift to the South-East region,” Jonathan said.
Atiku described his late father-in-law as a “patriot whose love for the country was immeasurable.”
Mr Ihedioha said the late nonagenarian died as a great patriot.
“But certainly, his ideas about public policies are still valid and could be helpful in the future,” he said.
Representatives of Akwa Ibom government and federal legislators were at the funeral.
Iwenjiora was a pioneer staff of the defunct African Continental Bank before proceeding to England for further studies.
On his return, he rejoined the bank and rose to managerial level before becoming a businessman later.
He is survived by 13 children, 28 grand children, nine great-grand children and brother and sister.
