POSTHUMOUS: Prince Madumere eulogises Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s legacy
By: Amb Timothy Nwachukwu
The immediate past deputy governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere and a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) has joined other well meaning Nigerians in saluting one of the foremost Nationalists, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe , describing him as a great Pan African leader whose life is worthy of emulation.
Prince Eze Madumere made this call in a press release made available to Journalists , where he described Dr. Azikiwe as one of the fathers of modern Nigeria.
The former deputy governor commended past Presidents of Nigeria who at one time or the other honoured him and immortalise him by putting his name on landmark projects.
He said: “It is heartwarming discussing the sacrifices of our heroes past for which our revered leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was one. His footprints in the sands of time will always be there for the appreciation of generations upon generations.
“I must commend President Mohammadu Buhari for his statesmanship and avowed stance for a great and united Nigeria. You may recall that he recently honoured the only indigenous Governor-General and the first President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe by completing Zik Mausoleum, which was abandoned for many years. This was a wonderful approach to healing our land.
“Today we also have Nnamdi Azikiwe airport, Abuja, which was named during the reign of the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. I must commend these Nigerian leaders who remembered his role and honoured him rightly.
“Again, I Anambra State Government for resolving to honour and immortalising him declaring a one day holiday in remembrance of the late influential Pan-Africanist.
“Dr. Azikiwe was selfless and detribalised to the extent that many Nigerians saw him as drunk. It is on this note that I call on Nigerians to emulate the patriotism of the great ZIK of Africa who gave all towards the emancipation of Nigeria from the enclave of colonialism. It will be recalled that for his belief in Nigeria, he spoke the three major languages of Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba fluently.
“Again Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was unrepentant in his belief in National Unity and that its greatness lies in its diversity.”
He further warned against making unnecessary misguided and inflammatory statements that are capable causing disaffection Nigerians and further plunge the country into religious and tribal crises.
The APC Chieftain said that he believes in the great potentials of Nigeria has the potential, expressing optimism that with the present policies and programmes of President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government, Nigeria may be retrieved from the clutches of corruption and retrogressive divide and rule superintended by unpatriotic politicians.