By Kehinde Okeowo
The killing of Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili, former DG of NAFDAC and Minister of Information, has once again brought to fore, the need to prioritize security by government across the board in the country.
Akunyili was murdered while returning from a commemorative lecture held at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, in Enugu State, in honour of his late wife, when he was ambushed and killed at Nkpor, Anambra state.
Since then, condolences have been pouring in from prominent Nigerians, one of whom is President Muhammadu Buhari, who expressed sadness over the news and mandated security agencies to bring his killers to book.
The latest of condolences came from the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
She expressed her sadness over the news of the medical doctor’s death. She also sent a condolence message to his family through her verified Twitter handle.
“It is with deep sadness that we hear of the brutal killing of Dr Chike Akunyili; eminent physician, beloved husband of Prof Dora Akunyili, Nigerian icon. Heartfelt condolences to his children & family. He is with God & his wife. May his soul rest in peace, ” she wrote.
The wife of the deceased and former Minister of Information, Prof Akunyili and Dr Okonjo-Iweala were two of the few shining lights in Nigerian public service when President Obasanjo was in the saddle as the president.