Maduekwe was an ardent believer in Nigeria’s unity — Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, late Ojo Maduekwe as an ardent believer in the unity of Nigeria, saying his death had saddened him.
The president said that late Maduekwe who also served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada in all his years of service to Nigeria as a diplomat, minister, politician and ambassador gave all to that pursuit. As Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, the President affirms that “Maduekwe’s relentless call to citizen diplomacy and for Nigerians to be treated with dignity across the globe will continue to inspire other patriotic people to promote a positive international image of the country.” While commiserating with the families, government and people of Abia, president Buhai also consoled the governments of Delta and Rivers States on the passing away of their illustrious sons, Justice Nikki Tobi, retired Supreme Court judge and Elechi Amadi, a literary icon. President Buhari described the late Judge as a brave jurist who served Nigeria creditably and brought his many years of training, knowledge and wisdom to the Bench. The President also joined the literary and academic community in mourning Elechi Amadi “whose writings and postulations as a novelist, poet and playwright introduced many generations of the world to the vibrant Nigerian culture.” Describing Amadi as a “Man of Letters, visionary and venerated elder who dedicated his life to values of peace, equality, dignity and the reading culture in Nigeria, the President shared the idea that his departure was as much a loss to Nigeria and Africa as it was to the world.” The President affirmed that the outpouring of grief and tribute across Nigeria and beyond was a testament of the high degree of respect and acceptance Amadi commanded around the world. He prayed God to grant the souls of the departed citizens eternal rest and comfort their families, friends and admirers.- Vanguard