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The death of foremost nationalist and First Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, on November I, 2022, has unarguably marked the end of an era. It brought to an end the exciting story of an accomplished patriot, popularly known as “The Boy is Good.” He led an exemplary life dedicated to service to his fatherland and humanity. He was the last of the Zikist Movement members to leave this plane of existence.
Chief Amechi, also known as Dara Akunwafor, was born on June 16, 1929 in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He died on November 1, 2022 at the age of 93. In a statement announcing his demise, the family stated: “With total deference to the will of the Almighty God, the Ume Amechi, Ezeana Ihidede families and Umu Mmara kindred of Amihe Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State announce the peaceful transition of our illustrious son, father and grandfather, Chief Mbazulike Amechi.” His death occurred about one year after that of his wife, Chinelo, who died at the age of 91.
Chief Amechi, a renowned nationalist and elder statesman, was among those who fought for the independence of Nigeria from Britain. As a young student, the late nationalist joined a radical group led by the erstwhile President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Zikist Movement, to agitate for the country’s independence. He was highly committed to the struggle, to the extent of vowing alongside others never to marry until Nigeria achieved her independence. For his zeal and patriotism, Amechi was occasionally imprisoned alongside other Zikists such as Anthony Enahoro, Raji Abdallah, Ogedegbe Macaulay, Nduka Eze, Ikenna Nzimiro, Bob Ogbuagu, Fred Anyim, Osita Agwuna and Mokwugo Okoye.
Rather than being discouraged, Amechi saw his incarceration as part of his sacrifice for the liberation of Nigeria from the imperial masters. On November 18, 1949, he organised a protest rally of all workers in Benin City and its environs and demanded adequate punishment for the alleged murderers of 18 mine workers of the Nigerian Coal Corporation in Enugu, who participated in a strike to ensure the welfare of the workers. For the daring move, he was put on a watch list by the British authorities.
The late Amechi was a man of great conviction and courage, who would go to any length, including putting his life on the line, in the pursuit of a noble cause. At a time, he almost lost his life in a bid to save Azikiwe, who was to be assassinated by a machete-wielding man. Instead of allowing the assailant succeed in his mission, Amechi threw in himself to save Zik. In the process, he was stabbed three times at the chest region but he survived. Dr. Azikiwe never forgot this act of patriotism, hence in one of his rallies in Onitsha, he described Amechi with the sobriquet: “The Boy is Good.” That became the moniker for Amechi for the rest of his life.
Although his commitment to the Zikist Movement did not allow Amechi and his colleagues to attend formal university, they did most of their studies privately. He first studied with Wuzihall Correspondence College in London and did his first degree with the University of Beverly Hills, London. He was elected a member of the House of Representatives in 1959, on the platform of the defunct National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). He was later appointed the Minister of Aviation and Transport in 1962. He remained in that position until the country’s first military coup of January 15, 1966.
He witnessed the nation’s turbulent journey to nationhood. Aside his nationalist activities, the late statesman made various interventions for the development of the South East region as well as the realisation of a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction. He was among Igbo leaders who visited President Muhammadu Buhari for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Chief Amechi was a patriot and a nationalist to the core up to the end of his life. He was also a mentor and role model, whose exemplary life should be emulated by our politicians. His death is a great loss to the country, Africa and the world at large. He made a case for a restructured Nigeria, where there will be equity, justice and fairness to all. He died when his services are needed most, especially as Nigeria prepares for a defining general election in 2023.
In view of his patriotic contributions to the political and economic development of the country, we urge the Federal Government to immortalise the late patriot by naming a national monument after him. We commiserate with his family, friends, the political class, the government and people of Anambra State and the Federal Government over the irreparable loss.
May God grant him eternal rest.
