Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has described the passage of Late Chief Mbazulike Amechi as the end of an era.
Governor Soludo was speaking during the funeral mass celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, for the first Aviation Minister held in his Country home, Ukpor, Nnewi South Council Area.
Conveying his condolence message, Professor Soludo acknowledged the Late Dara Mbazulike Amechi’s commitment to Igbo culture even as he also lived and died as a Christian.
While condemning the resurgence of idolatry in the South-East, the Governor pointed out that it is a far departure from Igbo culture.
He praised the Late Amechi for living out the authenticity of African culture, starting with his name.
According to Governor Soludo, the Church can christen a child with Igbo name as long as it is not offensive.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief Chris Ngige. He called on the President to consider the agony faced by the Nigerian people as a result of the Naira redesign policy.
He pointed out that since the Supreme Court has declared that the old and new naira notes should remain legal tender until judgment is rendered, the President should obey the ruling of the Apex court, which placed him in the position of President of Nigeria.
“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of Chief Amechi. May he rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord,” Governor Soludo prayed.
Earlier in a homily, Bishop Okoye said that God chose to call him home at such a special All Saints day, a divine indication of his eternal citizenship of Heaven and thanked Governor Soludo for the numerous road projects that are currently ongoing in the state.
Senator Chris Ngige who spoke on behalf of President Buhari, commiserated with the family, the government and good people of Anambra State, among others; and enjoined other Nigerians to join in mourning a great patriot and nationalist who deeply believed in a united Nigeria.
The Governor of Ebonyi State represented by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, Nigeria’s First Female Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, AVM Ben Chiobi rtd, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Dr Alex Obiogbolu, Chief Protocol/Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Chinedu Nwoye, among others attended the funeral mass.
Nigeria’s first Minister of Aviation, Late Chief Mbazulike Amechi (Dara Akunwafor) was a foremost statesman, nationalist, pre-independence activist and one of Nigeria’s founding fathers that helped free the country from colonial rule. He died aged ninety-four (94).
