The Agulu Peoples Union (APU) has denied the existence of any controversy over the burial date of immediate past Minister of Information, Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili.

Expressing displeasure of a story in The Nation purporting otherwise, President-General of APU, Sir Paulinus Anagboso, said in a statement he issued over the weekend in Agulu: “The writer who made the insinuation did so without consulting the President-General and the Igwe of Agulu.

“The NEC of Agulu People’s Union will meet and decide on how to give our departed Amazon the befitting burial that she deserves.

“The death of our dearly beloved wife, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has left the entire Agulu people devastated and despondent.

“Her painful demise has cast a pall of gloom and solemnity over our usually vibrant town. Prof. Akunyili was a great source of pride and beacon of hope to our community. To the nation, she was a respected icon and a great inspiration to many. I believe she was God-sent to make positive changes in our society.

“She was widely adored because she gave her best in all her national assignments, putting her life on the line in her determination to deliver results. Her honesty, integrity and brilliance were unquestionable.

“At PTF, she gained widespread admiration after she returned a huge sum of money given to her for medical treatment.

“Her good works at PTF led to her recommendation for the position of NAFDAC boss.”

News Express reports that Prof. Akunyili, who died on June 7 – just a little over a month to her 60^th birthday on July 14 – would be buried in Agulu on August 28.

•Photo shows late Prof. Dora Akunyili.