By Praise Chinecherem
Eminent personalities and friends of Anambra State on Tuesday paid glowing tribute to the foremost nationalist and first Aviation Minister, late Chief Mbazulike Amechi.
The dignatories who took turns to eulogize the late elderstateman at a ceremony tagged “Day of Tribute” at the International Convention center, Awka, described him as humble, detrabilized and a nationalist per excellence.
They however regretted non-actualization of his last wish which was his appeal for immediate release of leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Amechi, who died in November last year, will be buried on February 16.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, described Amechi as one of the finest Nigerians who valued service above self, urging people of the state and indeed Nigerians to emulate his outstanding virtues
He said, “Today is a very special day. We’ve come to mourn Nigerians foremost patriot and nationalist who laid the foundation of the independence of this country called Nigeria.
“Anambra mourns on a day we’re celebrating love. I want to suggest that the tribute be international because we’re celebrating a man who spent almost all his entire life for the love of Nigeria.
“He was one of the Zikist who not only laid down his life for the country and mentoring others, but a proud Igbo man who lived in his country home till death.
“The man we’re celebrating has a man whose presence is enveloping. One message he left for us, is our future is in our past. What the elderstatemen left for us, service above self.
“He demonstrated that you work your talk. I describe myself as new Zikist. He believed in homeland. It’s one legacy he left for us.
He also demonstrated that you work your talk. He left a passionate call, which is release of Nnamdi Kanu. I had called for his release before I became governor because I’ve always believed Nigeria must be negotiated on a dialogue table.
“Yes, releasing Kanu will not end insecurity completely, but it will help us seperate the chaff from the wheat. We won’t relent, because I’m confident he’ll be released soon. For that’s one of Dara’s legacies.”
While thanking dignatories for sparing their time to grace the occasion, Soludo particularly praised national Chairman of the burial planning committee, Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, saying his acceptance to head the committee sends a message of the import of the ocasion.
Speaking earlier, Iwuanyanwu appreciated the governor for the decision to honor the legend through the ceremony.
Iwuanyanwu, represented by Senator Ndi Obi described late Amechi as a great man whose loyalty to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who he worked together to form a government of national unity, as unequal.
“He did so much to make us proud. Now the Oracle is gone, but his legacy remains. He never lost his igboness and remained proud of his origin. we’re happy the state is honoring him today.”
Former Governor of the state, Dame Virgy Etiaba described the late elderstatemen as one full of wisdom who spoke and acted his mind.
“He’s a person we can’t forget in a hurry, he speaks, acts his mind. Physically and intellectually, he’s good. He’s one of the few politicians you can always run to for advice
“I remember how he gathered elders to visit Buhari for the same purpose of freeing our son, though that dream did not come through. We’re proud to assemble here to celebrate him,” she said.
Also speaking, Speaker, State House of Assembly, Uchenna Okafor called for the immortalization of the nationalist by naming one of the national institutions after him.
“We’ve lost a great personality, known for originality, hardwork and humility, great shareholder in Nigeria project who didn’t hoard his gift, but spent time defending and impacting lives.
Former minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Josephine Anineh lauded Ameachi’s insistence on living all his life in his home, urging other elders to emulate him.
“His presence was not intimidating, but enveloping. He was an approachable father with wealth of wisdom and listening ear. When he retired, he came home. I urge all to emulate not run away from home, making it a desert,” she said.
Others who spoke included National Vice President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, Prof. Peter Umeadi, Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi, among others.
