* Soludo, Anambra govt mourn
First Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, is dead aged 93 years.
Amechi, who hailed from Amihe village in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, died on Tuesday as a result of brief illness, his family disclosed.
The elder statesman was the only surviving member of the Zikist Movement of the pre-Independence era.
He became the Minister of Aviation at the age of 29 years.
The family confirmed his passing through a statement issued by his son, Ezeana Tagbo Amechi.
He said: “Amechi, nationalist and First Republic Minister of Aviation transited peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
“We thank God for the fulfilled life that he lived; the lives that he touched and his service to God and to country.
“We respectfully ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers at this time.’’
Meanwhile, Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed sadness over the death of the nationalist.
Soludo described the late Amechi as an outstanding patriot and nationalist who served the nation diligently.
According to the governor, the late elder statesman lived an impactful and exemplary life worthy of commendation.
“He was a renowned Nationalist, an active and staunch voice in the Zikist Movement as well as an accomplished elder statesman,” the governor recalled.
He further stated that the death of Mbazulike Amechi is not just a loss to his community, Ukpor, in Nnewi South Local Government Area and to Anambra State alone, but also a monumental loss to Ndigbo and the Nigerian nation.
The governor, therefore, on behalf of the Government and people of Anambra State commiserated with the Mbazulike family over the irreparable loss.