Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
It was an outpouring of glowing tributes Tuesday at the Shehu Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, as Nigerians eulogised the late Minister for Aviation and Igbo Leader, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.
President Muhammadu Buhari in his tribute described the late Amaechi, as a patriot whose lifestyle deserved emulation by leaders in Nigeria.
Buhari said the late elder statesman intervened whenever the country was at the crossroads.
The President who was represented by the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, said Amaechi would be greatly missed for his impactful and sacrificial lifestyle.
“Amaechi was the epitome of what every Nigerian leader should be aspiring to be,” Buhari remarked.
Continuing he said: “He was a man of peace and did everything possible to ensure that there was unity and peace in every part of the country.”
Buhari further recalled how the late Amaechi before his death, requested for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, during a courtesy visit to the President alongside other notable South-East leaders.
He described him as a bundle of talent that would be hard to replace.
Speaking at the event, the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, said the late Amaechi left behind worthy legacies.
The former Anambra State Governor stressed the need for Nigerians to emulate the patriotic and ingenious spirit of the late Amaechi.
He said Amaechi left behind very big shoes for the younger generation.
The Chairman of the National Planning Committee for the late Amaechi’s burial, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said Amaechi was a great Igbo leader.
He said he sacrificed so much for humanity and Ndigbo in particular.
The late Amaechi died in 2022.
