Ihedioha in a press statement noted that he named a major street after the late former minister while he was the governor of Imo State
By Mosope Michaels
Former Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has expressed sadness over the death of former Aviation Minister, Mbazulike Amechi.
Amaechi, a First Republic parliamentarian died in the early hours of Tuesday, according to a statement from his family.
Ihedioha’s condolence message was conveyed via a press statement made available to TheNiche on Wednesday, November 2, where he said the late politician played a frontline role in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence.
He said, “It is with deep sorrow that I learnt of the death of the last surviving foremost nationalist, Chief Mbazukike Amechi, Dara Akunwafor at 93 years old.
“Chief Amechi played a frontline role in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence as a member of the Zikist Movement who went to jail in the struggle for a free Nigeria. He was former Minister for Aviation in the First Republic and a great parliamentarian of note.
“Till his last breath, he believed and fought for a just, united and prosperous nation.
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“Chief Amechi spoke truth to power, irrespective of the danger or consequences to self. He was a prominent voice for justice, equity and good government; a great reservoir of wisdom and vast knowledge about Nigeria and her history, which he graciously documented in his books.”
Ihedioha also noted that he named a major street after the late ex-minister, saying he will be missed by his family, community, Anambra State, Ndigbo and Nigeria as a whole.
“I am particularly proud to have hosted his 90th birthday celebration in Owerri in December 2019 as Governor, naming a major street after him as an honour.
” He will be sorely missed by his family, Ukpor people, Anambra State, Ndigbo and Nigeria at large,” he added.