Chidoka opens online condolence register for Maduekwe
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has described late former presidential aspirant, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, as a remarkably decent and disciplined politician who would be greatly missed by Nigerians.
In a condolence message issued in Abuja by his media office, Atiku said the late Shinkafi was one of the most intelligent, visceral, deeply informed and principled politicians he had ever known.
“The late Shinkafi was so independent minded that he and his political associates were denied registration by the General Sani Abacha military government. The deceased was never timid to forcefully express his opinion on national issues,” Atiku said.
The Turakin Adamawa equally noted that Shinkafi would be greatly remembered as “one of the brightest stars in the galaxy of Nigerian politics for his total commitment to democracy and the rule of law.”
He further explained that the deceased always inspired respect not only for being a repository of knowledge, but, also, for being a consummate public servant and one of the best of his generation.
Meanwhile, former Aviation minister, Mr. Osita Chidoka has opened an online memorial page and condolence register created specially for late Chief Ojo Maduekwe on Nigeria’s premier online condolence register platform, Condolences.ng.
Maduekwe, who was Nigeria’s former minister for Foreign Affairs during the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and a one-time former national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died on June 29 after a brief illness in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Chidoka thanked Nigerians for their love and messages, condolences and grief support at the loss of Maduekwe. He described him as former boss, friend and intellectual soul mate.
“I am still speechless, I have opened an online condolence book and I will appreciate if you can leave your thoughts and condolences at condolences.ng”.
Early responders were a host of dignitaries and Nigerians from all works of life. Some of these include former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed.
Others are Canadian businessman, Sir Ossy Adubasim, Acting National Youth Leader of the PDP, Mr. Dennis Alonge, Abuja based legal practitioner, Mr. Tale Alabi, Mrs. Nnenna Deborah Mkpa – UN Ambassador of Peace, Chief Mrs Eucharia Okwunna Azodo, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, the Abuja Choral Ensemble member, Mr. Joel Dappa, who was former Head of Special Projects, News Africa, UK; Mr. Igwe Okala, Principal Partner at FC Okala and co. Others include Mr. Osagu Henry Onyemah and Mr. Martins Abiahu, amongst hundreds of other sympathisers.