Passage of Maduekwe and Amadi: They contributed so much to nation building, Jonathan, Anyaoku, Amaechi affirm

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi were also among others eminent Nigerians that paid glowing tributes to Chief Ojo Maduekwe and Professor Elechi Amadi yesterday.

Dr. Jonathan, who described their death as a sad loss for the country, emphasised that both men made significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development.

Jonathan said, “Maduekwe, at different times, held critical leadership positions where he made significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth and the evolution of the nation’s democracy.”

“Whether as a lawyer, politician or diplomat, Maduekwe was deeply committed to the process of building national and international bridges, for which he will always be remembered.”

On the demise of the literary giant, the former President said, “Amadi was a renowned writer and patriot who served his country meritoriously, through his literary works and exemplary performance in public service.

“As an author, his works helped change the story of a continent, by rendering accurate accounts of profound African life and traditions as a counterpoise to inexact stereotypes.

Chief Anyaoku said the news of the sudden death of Ojo Maduekwe is shocking and most unexpected, adding that he attained great heights in Nigeria’s domestic politics in becoming the Secretary of his political party, the PDP, and its Board of Trustees. And he equally distinguished himself as the country’s Foreign Minister in fathering the policy of Citizen Diplomacy.

As Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations, I interacted with Ojo Maduekwe on many occasions recalling in particular, his eloquent role when I led a presidential delegation to Washington for President Obama’s first inauguration. He will be remembered as a true Nigerian patriot.

Minister of Transportation Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said the death of Captain Amadi is a monumental loss saying that he has left very big vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

“The late Captain, was a literary guru, he stood tall and contributed to the growth and development of Rivers State. His death is a monumental loss to the Ikwerre people, Rivers people, Nigeria and the literary community,” Amaechi said.

Former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo has urged Nigerians to intensify in prayers for protection of the life, saying that Nigerians especially those who have contributed to the peace and development of the country are dying anyhow.

Former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel described Maduekwe as a consummate politician whose death marked the end of another significant chapter in Nigerian political history.

Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari said that with the death of Amadi, the golden era of Africa’s literary culture has come to an end.

Similarly, President and Secretary, Port Harcourt Writers’ Forum, Dr. Orike Didi and Patrick Naagbanton, respectively expressed sadness over the death of Amadi, whose contributions to literature remain enormous.

Constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ahamba described as shocking and unfortunate the sudden death of Chief Madukwe, saying his oratorical skills in the university made him the envy of his contemporaries, who nicknamed him, “The Orator,” in campus.