• He died because government refused to release IPOB leader, COSEYL alleges
• Soludo, Uzodimma, others mourn him
Following the death of a nationalist and the only surviving member of the Zikist Movement, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, who died in the early hours of yesterday, November 1, 2022, at the age of 93, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation has said that the best tribute, which Federal Government can offer him is his wish of seeing the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu released from detention.
Amaechi, the first Aviation Minister in First Republic, was a native of Amihe village, in Ukpor, Nnewi South Council of Anambra State.
Amaechi’s death was announced in a statement signed by Ezeana Amaechi for the family. Ohanaeze has declared that the late Pa Amaechi’s last wish to see Kanu released from incarceration can be achieved now that he’s dead.
In a statement, yesterday, by the Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group said: “Let the news of Pa Amaechi’s death touch the heart of the president to honour the wish of the last Zikist to release Kanu from confinement.
“Buhari has the exceptional opportunity to rewrite history and the best tribute to the late elder statesman should be presidential pardon and release of Kanu from custody, and we believe that Kanu will honour the bargaining agreement of Amaechi.”
SIMILARLY, the apex socio-political youths group in the South East, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), yesterday, alleged that the cause of death of the foremost nationalist was as a result of Federal Government’s refusal to heed Amaechi’s plea to release Kanu from detention in obedience to the Appeal Court’s order.
The group said Buhari had promised the late Amaechi and others that he was going to release the IPOB leader as soon as the court decides to do so, noting that the elder statesman died because that promise was not honoured.
This was contained in a statement issued by the President General of COSEYL, Goodluck Ibem, noting that Amaechi’s death is “a loss too many and will be greatly missed.”
MEANWHILE, the Anambra State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has expressed sadness over the death of the elder statesman.
In his condolence message, yesterday, Soludo described the late Amaechi as an outstanding patriot and nationalist, who served the nation diligently.
ALSO, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said the late Amaechi was an advocate of socio-political inclusiveness of the Igbo in the Nigerian political firmament, as well as an apostle of equity, justice and fairness.
credit: The Guardian
