From Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki and Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The late elder statesman and foremost nationalist, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, would be laid to rest on February 16, 2023.
Amechi, former minister of Aviation in first republic, was one of the last remaining fathers of Nigeria’s independence and had remained in the vanguard for a better Nigeria until his death.
A 33-member committee of eminent Nigerians has been constituted by the family to plan his funeral slated for Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
A statement by Tagbo Amechi, yesterday, named Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and CID Maduabum respectively as chairman and secretary of the committee.
Other members are Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr. Tim Menakaya, Chief Simon N. Okeke, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, among others.
“Following the transition of the foremost statesman, nationalist and one of the last remaining fathers of Nigerian Independence, Chief Mbazulike Amechi (Dara Akunwafor), Nigeria’s minister of aviation in the first republic on November 1, 2022, the family, in consultation with his associates and other stakeholders wish to announce the setting up of a Committee of distinguished and respected Nigerian leaders to plan a befitting burial for this great Nigerian patriot scheduled for 16th February 2023 at Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State,” it stated.