President Muhammadu Buhari has eulogized late First Republic Aviation Minister, Mbazulike Amaechi as “a patriot and lover of humanity.”
Represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, the president spoke on Tuesday at a ‘Day of Tribute’, organised in honour of Amaechi in Abuja, saying Amaechi had character Nigerians should emulate for the peace and growth of the country.
Buhari also disclosed that the late former minister told him that releasing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, would bring peace and stability, and rebuild the Southeast.
The president narrated how Amaechi accommodated the late South African President, Nelson Mandela, in his house in Lagos.
According to the President, when Mandela was declared wanted by the then-apartheid regime in South Africa, he sought refuge in Amaechi’s house.
He noted that such a gesture stands out the late elder statesman as a patriot and lover of humanity.
Amechi would be missed as his demise would leave a vacuum in the sands of history in the country, the President said.
He added, “Mbazulike Amechi is an epitome of what every Nigerian leader should be aspiring to be. He was a man of peace and did everything possible to ensure that there is unity and peace in every part of the country.
“The unconditional release of Kanu will not only bring peace to the South East, it will rebuild the trust of the people on your administration.”
CHECKPOINTCHARLEY 