Buhari Pays Tribute To Maduekwe, Justice Tobi And Elechi Amadi

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday commiserated with the families government and people of Abia, Delta and Rivers States on the passing away of their illustrious sons Chief Ojo Maduekwe, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justice Nikki Tobi, retired Supreme Court judge and Elechi Amadi, a literary icon.

“With profound sadness, President Buhari received the passing of Maduekwe, who also served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada”, a statement by President’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said.

The statement added that “in all his years of service to Nigeria as a diplomat, minister, politician and ambassador”, adding that “Maduekwe was an ardent believer in the unity of Nigeria and gave all to that pursuit.

“As Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, the President affirms that Maduekwe’s relentless call to citizen diplomacy and for Nigerians to be treated with dignity across the globe will continue to inspire other patriotic people to promote a positive international image of the country”, he said.

President Buhari also paid tribute to Justice Nikki Tobi, describing him as a brave jurist, who served Nigeria creditably and brought his many years of training, knowledge and wisdom to the Bench.

The President also joined the literary and academic community in mourning Amadi, whose writings and postulations as a novelist, poet and playwright introduced many generations of the world to the vibrant Nigerian culture.

In paying homage to the Man of Letters, visionary and venerated elder who dedicated his life to values of peace, equality, dignity and the reading culture in Nigeria, the President believes that the passing away of Amadi is as much a loss to Nigeria and Africa as it is to the world.

The President affirmed that the outpouring of grief and tribute across Nigeria and beyond is a testament of the high degree of respect and acceptance Amadi commanded around the world.

He prayed that God will grant the souls of the departed citizens eternal rest and comfort their families, friends and admirers.