Elechi’s burial: Govt will play major role, Wike assures

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

RIVERS State Governor, Nye­som Wike, has assured that the state government would participate actively in the burial of late Elechi Amadi.

He gave the assurance when he led the entire State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the family of the renowned author.

Wike described Amadi as an inter­national figure, who used his literary works to shape lives and encouraged people to embrace the tenets of devel­opment.

His words: “The late Captain Elechi Amadi was a gift to Aluu community, the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, Rivers State and the entire people of Nigeria.

“Personally, I benefitted from his literary works as I drew lessons from the words of wisdom contained in them. Captain Elechi Amadi through his works helped shape the so­ciety.”

He urged the people of Ikw­erre not to localise or politicise the burial of Captain Elechi Amadi, given his status an as international figure.

“We will do the best so that Nigerians will continue to remember him as a national hero,” the governor said.

He stated that Amadi was loved by the entire state, noting that his legacy was engraved in the heart of the people.

“We have lost a father and a devoted nationalist. We are pained, but we must find conso­lation in his achievements. To the family, I urge you to remain strong as we share in your grief and we will stand by you in the burial of the late author,” Gov­ernor Wike said.

Responding on behalf of the family, son of the late Captain Elechi Amadi, Mr Carl Elechi Amadi thanked the governor for visiting the family.