The remains of the former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, have been laid to rest.
The burial ceremony, which was held in his country home, Uli, in the Ihala Local Government Area of the State, was the culmination of three-day-long state funeral activities for the first Executive Governor of the State in the fourth republic.
In a moving and solemn ceremony, the former governor was laid to rest after an inter-denominational burial service held in his honour.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, family members, friends, and former colleagues of the former governor.
A police parade led the body of Dr Mbadinuju into the arena, followed by a bible reading by the family.
In his eulogy, Governor Soludo said that Governor Mbadinuju lived an impactful life, described him as a giant, and appreciated him for all the great strides he bequeathed to his predecessors.
The governor assured to sustain the positive legacies of the former governor, pointing out that it was the best way of giving him a befitting farewell.
He added that he lived his life in service to others, and he never wavered in his commitment to making the state a better place.
In a vote of thanks, Barr. Cheta Mbadinuju described his father as a shining light they had in the family and conveyed special gratitude to Governor Soludo for the modest and fitting burial of their father.
Barr. Mbadinuju recalled that for the past 20 years, their family felt like there was a cloud over their heads as a result of the bad narrative peddled against their father.
He asked the people to imbibe the lesson of not complaining about how bad a situation is and encouraged their people not to continue running away from their homes but to look on the brighter side of life.
Musical tributes to former Governor Mbadinuju were offered throughout the service, attended by former Governors Chris Ngige and Peter Obi, Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Patricia Obila, Director General, South East Governors’ Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the member representing Ihala Federal Constituency, Dr. Paschal Agbodike, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, and members of the state executive council, among others.
A 21-gun salute was used to bid farewell to Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, who was governor of the state between 1999 and 2003.
