Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has described the late essayist, poet and celebrated novelist, Professor Chinua Achebe who died early on Friday as a true patriot whose love and passion for Nigeria cannot be doubted.
In a statement by his press secretary, Felix Ofou, the governor said though there were moments when the late teacher of African Literature’s views were at variance with the authorities, he left no one in doubt as to his depth of love for Nigeria.
Governor Uduaghan also noted that Achebe was unmistakably Nigeria’s foremost ambassador to the world through his craft as a novelist, poet, essayist, teacher, public affairs analyst and renowned speaker at the world stage.
“It is noteworthy that most of Professor Chinua Achebe’s books were about Nigeria. For this, he won so many awards. I can say he was Nigeria’s foremost ambassador. He was a true patriot who put his country first where he went and in whatever he did”, he noted.
Uduaghan further described Achebe’s death as a big blow to Nigeria, the academia particularly African literature as well as to all lovers of democracy and good governance all over the world.
The Governor prayed God to grant the nation, the deceased family, associates and admirers the fortitude to bear the loss.
Governor Seriake Dickson has again identified the important role of the Church in Nation building and urged church leaders to continue to pray ceaselessly for the peace and stability of the country.
The Governor, who was speaking when the General Overseer and presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) , Dr.
Mike Okonkwo visited him at Government House, Yenagoa. He expressed appreciation to the TREM Bishop for his dedicated service to God and humanity as well as sacrifices and contributions to the growth of the state.
Hon. Dickson noted that the present administration came into office at a very challenging period in the history of the state and because of the strong belief and conviction in God to lead the State, it has continued to record successes in all aspects of the State’s economy.
The Governor eulogized the leadership quality of the visiting Bishop, describing him as one of the most important pillars of Christianity in the country, adding that he has contributed so much through prayers to the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.
“You are clearly one of the best and we are delighted to have you in our midst. I feel personally honoured that we are interacting. Somebody I have been listening to and only been seeing from afar and reading about, so I feel most honoured with members of my government interacting with you at close quarters”.
He extended invitation to the TREM General Overseer for future Thanksgiving Day service in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, General Overseer and Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo had commended the efforts of the Bayelsa State Governor at transforming the state to actualize the dreams of its founding fathers.
“A lot of things have taken place here, considering the terrain of the area. I must commend the efforts of this Government and I believe God who has taken you this far, will also take you farther than you expect.”
Noting that the Church and Government are partners in Nation building, Dr. Okonkwo said, to achieve God’s divine purpose for any state or nation, everyone’s hand must be on board.
Commenting on the Church’s Annual Thanksgiving Day in the state, the TREM General Overseer noted that any person in position of authority that recognizes God, automatically sets himself on the path to success.
He commended Governor Dickson for finding time to host him and other Church leaders on his entourage.
He explained that he is in the State to dedicate the TREM auditorium as well as meet with Christian leaders and encourage them to do more in the service to God and humanity.
Bishop Mike Okonkwo, who is a one-time President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) used the occasion to offer special prayers for Governor Seriake Dickson and the State.
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Friday signed into law, the 2013 appropriation bill of N304.05bn with the recurrent expenditure of N142.1bn and capital expenditure of N161.9bn.
The Governor in December 2012 presented a budgetary proposal of N285.9bn to the State House of Assembly for approval. However, after sectoral review, the Assembly increased the budget by N19bn before passing it into law.
Signing the bill into law, the Governor attributed the delay in its presentation to last year’s flooding that ravaged the entire communities in the state and the ill-fated Helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the former National Security Adviser, General Owoye Azazi and late Governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Yakowa.
Commending the efforts of the State lawmakers for their commitment towards the actualization of the Restoration Agenda, the Governor said his Economic Team would soon commence the preparation of the 2014 Appropriation bill, adding that this would ensure its early presentation and passage in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Law.
According to him, ‘we are not only going to partner with the House of Assembly as we have always done but also specifically (on this issue of appropriation) work to ensure that by the Grace of God, we comply with the fiscal responsibility law which obliges us to submit an appropriation bill earlier than we did last year.’
On the implementation of the newly signed appropriation bill, the governor said, ‘on our part, we intend to follow this budget scrupulously. We intend to implement it to the latter as you have passed it. Where there are difficulties and shortfalls or any area we need to work with the Assembly, we will not hesitate to bring that to your notice because (after all) a budget is only a statement of intent, it is a broad policy financial document.
I want to request you and members of your House to also support Government as you have always done by exercising the full ambit of your oversight powers over all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, so that we can all work together to ensure that set goals and targets are achieved to enable us bring prosperity, development and security to the good people of this state’.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Friday Kombowei Benson attributed the increment in the budget to the present administration’s drive for development.
‘The increase is because of your (Governor) ambitious drive for project and well-being of the people of Bayelsa state,’ the Speaker said.
Things have fallen apart, the centre cannot hold, we are no longer at ease, this was the expression of chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji of Abia State when he received the news of the death of Prof Chinua Achebe.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Ugo Emezue Chief Orji said that Ndigbo has lost a literary icon, a legend of all times and a hero whose novels remain a reference point in and outside the country.
Chief Orji who lamented the exit of Prof Achebe maintained that he is yet to come to terms with the sudden demise of this statesman of international repute.
The Abia State helmsman declared that Prof Achebe has impacted positively on the lives of people through his literary works.
Prof Achebe, Abia Governor stated that will be remembered for always standing up for Ndigbo at all times despite all odds.
Though Prof Achebe became a bit challenged through an accident that affected his legs he waxed stronger, impacting knowledge on the younger ones as a lecturer abroad , the Governor added.
Chief Orji said that the Governors of the South East will do their best to give their departed illustrious son a befitting burial.
He commiserated with the family of the bereaved and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The National leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) expresses shock at the news of the demise of Professor Chinua Achebe.
Professor Achebe was a Nigerian writer that effectively combined intellectualism and simplicity. His debut literary work, ‘Things fall apart’ published in 1958, has continued to attract wide readership across the globe. He was known for an inimitable courage in freely expressing his personal convictions on prevalent National discourse irrespective of the desire of the principalities in the Land.
He rebuffed two attempts by the PDP-led Federal Government to confer National honours on him because of his conviction that the People’s’ Democratic Party, PDP, as a Party, had not given Nigerians any hope of responsible governance.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, NEC and the party members across the Nation-space and the Diaspora, GMB sends his condolence to the immediate family members of Professor Achebe on this tragic loss. May the Almighty God grant the family and the entire Nation the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss?
The passing on of Prof. Chinua Achebe is yet another tragedy that has befallen not just the Ibo nation but Nigeria as a Country.
His demise coming at this time when the President is leading the campaign for resurrection of reading culture, this is one death to many.
My prayer is that his ideals and his achievement in the literary world will be sustained by us the living.
While I commensurate with the family, Mr. President, Anambra State Governor and the entire people of Anambra State. I pray that Ndi Anambra will not see or experience such exit again. I also pray for the family. IT IS WELL WITH US.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano state chapter condemns, in strong terms, the intimidation, harassment and persecution of patent medicine sellers at the Abubakar Rimi Market, Sabon Gari by the police, at the orders of Kano state Governor, Dr. Rabi’u Muhammad Musa Kwankwaso. Our secretariat has received several complains from the drugs sellers over the Governors action which has practically put them out of business.
In its statement signed by Tobias Idika the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano State Chapter President said; “On Saturday, 16 March, at about 2 a.m. Governor Kwankwaso came into the market with security operatives and made attempts to demolish the shops which were legally bought by the Patent Medicine sellers. The resistance of the traders who mobilized and confronted the security men offering themselves to be killed first before the demolition forced him to renege from that unorthodox action.”
Speaking further the statement said; “Since then, Governor Kwankwaso has been ordering the arrest of the medicine sellers and seizure of their goods. The Governor is taking all these actions irrespective of a subsisting Court Order, stating that the status quo remain, that is, the medicine sellers should remain in the market. In as much as Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds Governor Kwankwaso to high esteem, we are indeed, surprise at his actions and unwholesome punishment he is meting out to the medicine sellers who are most Igbos. Even though he may have a hidden agenda, we expect an informed citizen like Governor Kwankwaso to have respect for the law.”
‘We agree that he is the Governor and First Citizen of Kano state, but we do not think it is proper for him using his position to persecute his subjects—the same people who worked for him during his electioneering campaign and massively voted him into power. It, however, beats our imagination where the Governor’s latest actions are based; and at a time we are in deep sorrow and mourning over the wicked attack at the New Road Luxury motor park, last Monday, which claimed scores of lives of our people,” Ohanaeze said.
Adding further the statement read thus; “It is also shocking that five days after the bombings at the park, Governor Kwankwaso has not deemed it fit to sympathize with our people, rather, he is adding salt to injuring by arresting and harassing Igbo patent medicine sellers. This action, to us, is totally unacceptable and we call on the Governor to immediately order the release of the medicine sellers arrested by the police and also release their goods.We also urge the Governor to stop further harassment of the medicine sellers and allow them access to their shops and other properties inside Abubakar Rimi Market. As a responsible and patriotic organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo also advise Governor Kwankwaso to lead by example by respecting and obeying Court Orders.”
President Goodluck has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of Nigeria’s globally acclaimed writer, scholar, tutor, cultural icon, nationalist and artist of the very first rank, Prof. Chinua Achebe.
President Jonathan joins Prof. Achebe’s family, his friends, colleagues, past and present students, admirers and all who have learnt indelible lessons of human existence from his award winning works of literature in mourning the legendary author.
As he mourns however, the President is consoled by the knowledge that Prof. Achebe will live forever in the hearts and minds of present and future generations through his great works which brought him enduring international fame and countless honours.
A statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, on Friday, March 22 said the President believes that Prof. Achebe’s frank, truthful and fearless interventions in national affairs will be greatly missed at home in Nigeria because while others may have disagreed with his views, most Nigerians never doubted his immense patriotism and sincere commitment to the building of a greater, more united and prosperous nation that all Africans and the entire black race could be proud of.
He recalls that with maturity and global stature, Prof. Achebe fearlessly spoke the truth as he saw it and became, as he advanced in age, a much revered national icon and conscience of the nation who will be eternally honoured for his contributions to national discourse as well as the immense fame and glory he brought to his fatherland.
On behalf of himself, his family, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Prof Achebe’s family.
He prays that God Almighty will receive Prof. Achebe’s great soul and grant him eternal rest from his outstanding earthly labours.
says he stood for anti-corruption and social justice
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lamented the death of Nigerian born, world acclaimed literary giant, Prof. Chinua Achebe, describing his passage as a “monumental national loss.”
The party said Achebe will be greatly remembered for his unwavering anti-corruption stand; his efforts towards promoting high moral values in the country as well as his contributions toward national development.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said the party received the news of Achebe’s death with deep sadness especially as he left when the nation needed his wise counsels the most.
“Achebe was a rare gift to the nation. He was a hero and a great patriot who used his intellectual and physical energies to wage an unrelenting war against corruption and championed the inculcation of true moral values and social integrity in our polity.
“Achebe’s contribution to national human capital development using his books is unprecedented. His works stood out in projecting African cultural and social values. He used them to instill and sustain national pride and the spirit of patriotism and nationalism in contemporary Nigerians in particular and Africans in general”, the statement said.
The party urged the Federal Government to honour Achebe’s numerous contribution to the nation by immediately commencing works on the rehabilitation of Enugu-Ogidi-Onitsha road which passed through his home town, Ogidi in Anambra state. It also urged the Federal Government to take steps to immortalize the literary giant.
Describing Achebe’s death as a national loss, the PDP leadership commiserated with President Goodluck Jonathan, the Government and people of Anambra state as well as the literary world and the academia.
The party also condoled the Achebe family and prayed God to give the bereaved the fortitude to bear the “irreparable loss”.
Kwara- The story of Nigeria’s journey as a nation cannot be told without mentioning the enormous contribution of the great author and scholar, Professor Albert Chínụ̀álụmọ̀gụ̀ Àchèbé, an embodiment of wisdom transmitted into written literature for the emancipation of Nigeria and Africa at large. Indeed, Professor Achebe’s death is an immeasurable intellectual and moral loss to Nigeria and Africa.
From the library shelves, to the lecture room topics; from the conference discussions, to our public and personal lives, the themes of integrity, equity, rule of law and social justice for all which are salient philosophies in Achebe’s works keep guiding us even at various points as a nation since they also serve as important models for others to emulate.
I am deeply saddened by the news of Professor Achebe’s death because his intellectual wealth are treasures we may never find as a nation- all his articles, books and interviews released are kept on the most treasured side of my personal library and I visit and reflect on them for guidance on various issues from time to time.
In moments like this, we should come together as a nation, irrespective of the tribe, religion and social status, critically examine together in oneness the progressive ideologies of an icon like Professor Achebe and thoroughly inject them into our political, economic, educational and social culture, never to let his effort on Nigeria be in vain.
On behalf of the good people of my constituency and Senate Committee on Environment, I send my sincere condolence message to the families of the late professor Achebe and his fans all across the world.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says with the death of Professor Chinua Achebe, Nigeria has lost a literary giant who left an indelible print in the sands of time.
In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, Governor Oshiomhole said: “On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I wish to commiserate with the Governor and the good people of Anambra State on the death of the literary giant, Professor Chinua Achebe.
“With Achebe’s death, Anambra State and indeed Nigeria has lost a major personality, who played a unique role in its modern history. Even as an intellectual giant, his voice resonated with clarity and authoritative distinction on matters of national interest.
“He was a remarkable personality and will always be remembered for his forthrightness and incisive contributions to national issues. He could not be ignored or taken for granted on any matter, even by those who disagreed with him.
“His death evokes nostalgic emotion in the minds of all who read his books. His epic novel, “Things Fall Apart”, which earned him the sobriquet, ‘father of modern African literature’, is perhaps the best known book in this part of the world, aside the Holy Books.
“His recent book, ‘There Was A Country’ offers illuminating insights into the Nigeria civil war especially from his perspective as a chronicler of those trying moments in Nigeria history. His death no doubt will leave a big vacuum in the literary world. His rejection of several National Awards speaks of the vintage Achebe who was more concerned with the plight of the ordinary Nigerian than the investiture of an award.
“We pray God to grant his family the courage and strength to bear his loss. We also pray our Heavenly Father to grant his soul peaceful repose.”
