* He Was A Compassionate Statesman— Orji Kalu.
Former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
Tributes have been pouring in following the passing of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, the former governor of Anambra State.
Dr. Mbadinuju who was the state governor from 1999 to 2003, died at the National Hospital in Garki, Abuja on April 11, 2023.
A statement by the Mbadinuju family, notifying about his transition and signed by his son, Cheta Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Esq said: "With heavy hearts but utmost gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle, friend and associate, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a former governor of Anambra State and elder statesman.
"ODERA as he was fondly called, passed peacefully at the age of 78 years on the morning of the 11th of April, 2023 at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
"At this trying time, we pray for God's grace and mercy upon him and those left behind to mourn him.
"His funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the family."
Among the persons who have paid their tribute is the immediate past governor of Anambra, Chief Willie Obiano.
In a condolence message signed by Mr. Tony Nezianya, his spokesperson on Friday, ex-governor Obiano said: “I am saddened to learn of the passage of Mbadinuju.
“Mbadinuju was a brilliant student at the State University of New York, where he studied Political Science on a scholarship, ending up with a doctorate from Cornell University in New York, an Ivy League institution.
“On his return to Nigeria, he became a journalist and rose rapidly through the ranks.
” Apart from being the Times International founding editor in Lagos, he served in Anambra as the general manager of the state-owned Star Printing and Publishing Company,” he said.
Obiano further stated that Mbadinuju became the Director of Information and later a presidential aide in 1982.
He said that Mbadinuju would be remembered for his love for education.
” Mbadinuju established the Anambra State University, now known as Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, with campuses in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area, and Igbariam Anambra East local government area.
“Anambra people acknowledge Mbadinuju as the governor that ended, within a couple of months in office, the almost intractable Aguleri-Umuleri boundary dispute, which cost many lives and other property for years," former governor Obiano said.
The former governor Obiano also praised the late Mbadinuju for doing his best to battle the insecurity that was foisted on Anambra state during his tenure, by mostly ruthless, unconscionable, and heavily armed robbers.
Mbadinuju was patriotic — Orji Kalu.
Senate chief whip, Orji Uzo Kalu, in his reaction, described the late Chinwoke Mbadinuju as a humble, forthright, and selfless man who contributed to the growth and development of the Anambra state in his lifetime.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Senator Orji Kalu said,
“I received with sadness the news of the demise of former governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
“The deceased played noble roles in advancing the cause of the people through various platforms.
“He was easy-going, compassionate, and patriotic in his endeavors.
“His good deeds are worthy of emulation. The late statesman will be sorely missed for his worthy legacies.”
Former governor Mbadinuju was a personal assistant to Jim Nwobodo, a former governor of Enugu, between 1979 and 1980.
He was also a personal assistant to former President Shehu Shagari between 1980 and 1983.
Politics and Opinion.
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