President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed the last words of the late former Aviation Minister, Mbazulike Amaechi, to him.
In his condolence statement signed by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari recalled his encounters with Amaechi in Abuja and Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, NAN reports.
Buhari said Amaechi’s words still resonate.
He recalled Amaechi’s words saying: “I don’t want to leave this planet without peace returning to my country. I believe in one big, united Nigeria, a force in Africa. Mr President, “I want you to be remembered as a person who saw Nigeria burning, and you quenched the fire.”
The president said the deceased was a man of wisdom, honesty, and frankness.
He said the former minister’s advice on the situation in the Southeast and the way forward would be missed.
Buhari said the First Republic parliamentarian would also be remembered for his warmth, values and devotion to the service of Nigeria.
Amaechi died on Tuesday morning at the age of 93 years.
Amaechi on 2023 presidency
According to Amaechi, the only way an Igbo man can emerge as president in 2023 is for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone their presidential tickets to the South East.
He stated this while speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Amaechi maintained it would be difficult for Igbos to win unless the two parties concede their tickets to the region. While adding that even if either of the parties gives its ticket to the South East, it would be difficult.
He noted that the zone must remain united to achieve it. Stressing that as the only surviving member of the First Republic government, the Federal Government should respect his age and allow him to help make peace before returning to his maker.
Amaechi said he visited Ebonyi to brief Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, Dave Umahi, on the outcome of the visit of some Igbo leaders to President Muhammadu Buhari on efforts of Igbo leaders to bring lasting peace to the South East, which has been ravaged by agitations of separatist groups.
He said Buhari was happy to receive the Igbo leaders. Adding that they had frank, sincere and useful deliberations aimed at finding lasting peace and true reconciliation in the zone.
