Tony Okafor,Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has expressed sadness over the death of elder statesman and Nigeria’s First Republic Aviation Minister, Dara Mbazulike Amechi, who died at 93 years.
Soludo while describing the late Mbazulike as an outstanding patriot and nationalist who served the nation diligently, said the late elder statesman lived an impactful and exemplary life worthy of commendation
“He was a renowned nationalist, an active and staunch voice in the zikist movement as well as an accomplished elder statesman”, Soludo said.
The Governor further stated that the death of Mbazulike Amechi was not just a loss to his community, Ukpor, in Nnewi South Local Government Area and to Anambra state but also a monumental loss to Ndigbo and the Nigerian nation.
Soludo,on behalf of the Government and people of Anambra State commiserated with the Mbazulike family over the irreparable loss.
Similarly, Chris Azubogu
Member, Representing Nnewi North/ Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, has described the death of the late sage as the loss of a statesman and one of the living stars of the nation
Azubogu in his tribute titled :”An ode to the man who housed Nelson Mandela in Nigeria while the Apartheid regime was after him”, called Mbazuluike a “consummate nationalist who can be described as the last of the titans from this part of the country.”
Azubogu’s tribute read partly,”You have not only paid your dues in the service of our dear country, beginning from her journey to independence, but also showed the world how hospitable we can be as a nation when you housed the late Nelson Mandela in your private home after he came in search of refuge in Nigeria during the apartheid regime in South Africa.That singular gesture brought to global attention, your life as a justice crusader and commitment to Pan-Africanism.
“Your immense contributions to the independence struggle define you as a Nation builder. Little wonder you subsequently emerged as Nigeria’s premier Aviation Minister. It was gratifying that you went on to lay solid foundations for that important sector.*
“That your voice has continued to be heard resoundingly on matters of national importance cum nation-building to this day is an affirmation of your ardent belief in the Nigeria project, even when we are not where we ought to be at the moment.
“As a Community Leader, you thoughtfully chose to retire to your village to be with your people. And for over forty (40) years, you have effectively operated from your Amihe–Ukpor country home in Anambra State. We cannot thank you enough for your worthy example and for showing the way.
You have always strived to leave our environment better than you met it.
“As an old warhorse who represented our federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives in the First Republic, you remain a source of inspiration to your successors including my very self.
“I have always drawn inspiration from your fatherly advice and suggestions on how best to go about certain issues as it concerns my representation of our people.*
It was therefore such an honour and privilege when I was beckoned upon last year to Chair the planning committee of your 90th birthday anniversary. And I thank God that the anniversary was successful through the effort of many great Nigerians.
“You are not only one of our constituency or Ndigbo’s best export to the world, but an emphatic statement that ours are a people with the courage to do the right thing.
“I cannot think of a better way to conclude this ode to our living legend than to sign off with the quote below attributable to the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe:”No matter how old an individual may be, no matter if he is young or old, if he thinks in accordance with the times, he is immortal.”
For Chief Victor Umeh, the Senatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Anambra Central Senatorial District in next year’s general elections, “Dying at the age of 93 years, one would have felt that he has lived long enough, knowing that he was privileged to have attained that Age.However, I was sad because, Chief Amaechi lived a life of dignity and self respect
“He was not a gratuitous Politician
He was modest and remained committed to the Legacies of the Late Rt Hon Dr Anambra Azikiwe, the Great Owelle of Onitsha.He did not use the opportunities available to him right from the first republic to acquire primitive wealth.
“Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, though a Nationalist, was a Patriotic Igboman and remained on the side of his people till death. Despite his long standing Political Influence, he never talked down on his people. Each time I received a all from him, I got overwhelmed by his simplicity.
He was an elder statesman per excellence.
“Dying on the 1st Day of November, on the Solemnity of the Feast of All Saints, Chief Amaechi has transited gloriously and has joined the Saints Triumphant after a humble, but noble fulfilled life here on Earth.
“I know that he left Nigeria without achieving a peaceful and prosperous ountry that he yearned and worked for, just like some of his Compatriots that have gone before him, but he surely contributed vocally to the pursuit of justice for all people of Nigeria and particularly the Oppressed!
“The Igbo people and indeed Nigeria have lost a great Man and may his beliefs and toils for a greater Humanity not be in vain. One of the pillars of the Independence Struggle for Nigeria, his death is gradually drawing the curtain to a close on those who gallantly fought for the Independence of Nigeria.
May the Almighty God keep the likes of Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Edwin Clarke much more longer for us
My Condolences go to the members of the Amaechi Family and all of us.
For the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA, the death of Chief Mbazulike Amaechi was a great loss to Nigeria.
A press statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Tex Okechukwu, APGA said it felt deeply touched by the death of the last of the “Titans that laboured tirelessly for the independence of our fatherland”.
APGA, however thanked God for the fulfilled life led by the deceased and urged his children to follow his footsteps and ensure that the legacies for which he lived and died were not abandoned.
The party prayed God to grant his soul eternal repose in heaven, and the family the fortitude to bear the seemingly irreplaceable loss.
For the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2021 poll, Valentine Ozigbo, “Chief Amaechi’s passing marks the end of an important era in Nigeria’s history as the only surviving cabinet member from the First Republic, he was the custodian of the history of significant political events in our country.
“Chief Amaechi, popularly known as “The Boy is Good”, was a staunch ally of Nigeria’s first President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. He famously housed Nelson Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid leader, when he fled to Nigeria to escape arrest by South African authorities.
“My governorship bid of last year benefited from Chief Amaechi’s wisdom and fatherly blessings. He courageously endorsed my candidacy in his country home in Ukpor, Nnewi South, on Thursday, December 24, 2020. It is a day I will never forget.
“I extend my condolences to the entire Amaechi family. I pray that the soul of the great statesman will find its way home to the bosom of the Almighty and that the Holy Spirit will comfort the family he left behind.”
