By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed sadness over the passing of Elder Statesman and Nigeria’s First Republic Aviation Minister, Dara Mbazulike Amechi.

Amechi died at the early hours of Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 at 93 years.

Soludo in his condolence through his Press Secretary described the late elder statesman as an outstanding patriot and nationalist who served the nation diligently.

While saying that Amechi lived an impactful and exemplary life worthy of commendation, the governor added: “Mbazulike Amechi was a renowned Nationalist, an active and staunch voice in the Zikist Movement as well as an accomplished elder statesman.

“His death is not just a loss to his community, Ukpor, in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state and Anambra State, but also a monumental loss to Ndigbo and the Nigerian Nation.”

The statement further said: “The Governor, therefore, on behalf of the Government and people of Anambra State commiserates with the Mbazulike family over the irreparable loss.”

On his part, a former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, described Amaechi’s death as the death of the last man standing adding that with his demise the last of the icons have left the stage.”

He said: “Ahhh! My God! This is the last man standing and the last of our Icons that laid their lives for the independence of Nigeria and they have all gone with the death of Mbazuruike Amaechi’

“I cannot say much at this point because Amaechi is going fulfilled that he offered his fatherly and elderly advice for a better Nigeria and its leadership problems before going.

“But is however sad that our present day politicians are yet to harken to the voice of elders including Amaechi and this is unfortunate.

“The only patching gift Nigerians should give to Amechi and the rest of our heroes past is to ensure free, fair and credible electoral process as we as electing a government that is non-sectional, without religious bigotry and treat everyone fairly without sentiments.”

Also a Member representing Nnewi South/North and Ekwusigo Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives Hon. Chris Azubogu described the death of Chief Mbazulike Amechi as a great loss to Ndi Anambra, Igbo race and Nigeria in general.

“Your voice had continued to be heard resoundingly on matters of national importance cum nation-building to this day is an affirmation of your ardent belief in the Nigeria project, even when we are not where we ought to be at the moment.

“You have always strived to leave our environment better than you met it. As an old war horse who represented our federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives in the First Republic, you remain a source of inspiration to your successors including my very self.

“I had always drawn inspiration from your fatherly advice and suggestions on how best to go about certain issues as it concerns my representation of our people.

“You are not only one of our constituency or Ndigbo’s best export to the world, but an emphatic statement that ours are a people with the courage to do the right thing our dead is a monumental loss to entire humanity.”

Meanwhile, when News Express visited the country home of Amechi, sympathisers were already thronging the place to sympathise with the family.

They were also seen in groups wearing long faces, some folding their hands on chest, some others placing their hands on their hears as they discussed the sad development.