Remains of late President to be laid to rest tomorrow at state funeral
ADDIS ABABA – The late former President Dr. Negasso Gidada has set a unique example for Ethiopians as he has demonstrated the humble spiritual ethics in his political career, according to religious fathers from his hometown and fellowship.
Negasso is son of Reverend Gidada Solan, a veteran and well-known theologian in Dembi Dolo town who retains a theology college there.
Negasso embarked upon a political chapter in 1991 as he joined former Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO), now ODP, which makes up one of the four coalitions of the ruling party, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Front (EPRDF).
His political career clearly manifests the way he was cultivated as a religious person as he chose a different path from his colleagues. He chose to lose all the privileges as a former president to resume political struggle for the cause of the grass roots.
Rev. Chali Yoseph President of Ethiopia Mekana Yesus Betel Synodos of West Wellega told The Ethiopian Herald that, Ethiopia lost great person which is unique in his behavior. He did not act as a president, lived as an ordinary person, and even did not own a car. I believe that there is no one who did not own one while holding presidential title. This indicates that, how much he is pure and he commits and stands for the development of the country. Chali stated that, as I know him he is lovable individual by Ethiopian peoples.
Rev. Teferi Berkesa Ethiopian Mekane Yesus Betel Synodos at Addis Ababa for his part said that, his contribution to religious sector beyond political activity is so interesting. He works both in religious institutions apart from politics. His commitment towards shaping youth is good.
In Ethiopia, one of the milestones of Dr. Negaso’s political activities in early ‘90s was to become a member of the Constitutional Drafting Committee, which was tasked to draft the present Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE).
Meanwhile Remains of former president Dr. Negasso Gidada will arrive home from Germany this morning and be laid to rest here in Addis tomorrow, according to the National Funeral Ceremony Task Force.
According to the Task Force, Dr. Negasso’s funeral will be held at the Cemetery of St. Peter and Paul here in the capital at 3 PM in the presence of senior government officials, family members and friends.
Prior to the funeral, Dr. Negass will be accorded official farewell ceremony at the millennium hall Sunday morning, it was learnt.
The Ethiopian Herald May 04/ 2011
BY HAILE DEMEKE
