SOBBING pervaded Government House, Awka on Thursday evening at a special service for Mrs. Agnes Ezennadozie, a member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, from Anambra State who was murdered during the post -presidential election riot in Bauchi.
The service drew a large crowd of sympathisers, many of whom were members of NYSC serving in Anambra State. The crowd waited for several hours to receive the body of Mrs. Ezeamaka which came by road through Onitsha.
Governor Peter Obi, who received the body at about 5.30 pm expressed sadness over what he called “intemperate exhibition of the passion of hate” by some Nigerians and appealed to the people to rediscover the virtues of peace as a way to achieve progress and development.
Obi regretted that the NYSC scheme, which was designed to be a veritable tool for national integration, had become a source of worry to some Nigerians because of the recent sad event that turned corps members into targets of attack by some disgruntled elements.
He said while it is good and patriotic to serve the nation, there is need to protect the people who have dedicated their lives to the service of their fatherland..
He called on the federal government not to abandon the families of the deceased because they paaid the supreme price in the course of service.
According to Obi, the only worthy legacy that could be left for the victims of the riots is for all, especially those who take active part in politics, to shun acts that tarnish the image of the country.
One of her colleagues, Mr. Eyisi Afamefuna from Adazi ani and with the call up number of NYSC/UNN/210/171993 expressed gratitude on behalf of the corps members on what he called the wonderful expression of love from Gov. Obi.
Eyisi said he was one of those who were brought back in the ANIDS vehicle sent by the governor and called for adequate compensation for the dead corps members.
The officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Godwin Okoye in his sermon described life as a gift from God and death a necessary end, adding that what matters in life is how well one lived and not how long
