Victor EzejaPresident Muhammadu Buhari and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar have expressed heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Anambra State and Ohaneze Ndigbo on the death of elder statesman, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.
Buhari and Aitiku equally extended their condolences to the late Amechi’s family.
Chief Amechi who was a parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation in the First Republic, died on Tuesday at the age of 93.
A statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to Buhari on Media and Publicity, said the “President joins them and other Nigerians in mourning a great patriot who believed deeply in a united Nigeria, and continued to work for its progress, undeterred by his age and personal circumstances.”
Shehu said that President Buhari has very fond memories of his recent meetings with Amechi in November 2021 in Abuja and May 2022 in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, saying that these words of his on November 19, still resonate:
”I don’t want to leave this planet without peace returning to my country. I believe in one big, united Nigeria, a force in Africa. Mr President, I want you to be remembered as a person who saw Nigeria burning, and you quenched the fire.”
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This was a statement Amechi made when he led a delegation of Igbo elders on a visit to Buhari to find a political solution to the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and for his release from detention.
The president who extolled the frankness, wisdom, honesty and advice of Amaechi on the situation in the South Eastern part of the country and the way forward, affirmed that the nonagenarian will also be remembered for his warmth, values and devotion to the service of the nation.
“President Buhari prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for all who mourn,” Shehu added.
On his part, the former Vice President of Nigeria, through a statement released in Abuja by the Atiku Media Office, extolled the sterling qualities of the nationalist for his sacrifices in the struggle for the liberation of Nigeria from colonial rule; and subsequent services to the nation’s development as Aviation minister, and elder statesman.
The Wazirin Adamawa said, “Chief Mbazuluike was an outstanding nationalist, Pan-Africanist extraordinaire and a great associate and friend of the African legend, Nelson Mandela. His contributions to the independence of Nigeria, South Africa, and others from foreign domination and aparthied rule will occupy prominent space in the story of African emancipation.”
The PDP presidential flag-bearer urged Nigerians not to forget, but be rather grateful to the generation of the nation’s past heroes, which Mbazuluike Amaechi represented for their love for our country and learn from them, the values of patience, selflessness, patriotism and national unity without which the nation cannot endure into greatness.
“Atiku Abubakar on behalf of his family and political associates nationwide, commiserates with the Amaechi family, the Government and people of Anambra State, Ndigbo and indeed all who knew and cherished the outstanding contributions Mbazuluike,” Atiku added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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