Mbazulike Amechi: Buhari, Jonathan, Atiku others to attend ‘Day of Tribute’ in Abuja

By Obiora Ifoh, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to attend the ‘Day of Tribute’, which is part of the programme for the funeral of a foremost statesman, nationalist and one of the last remaining fathers of Nigerian Independence, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, also known as Dara Akunwafor.

Also expected at the event, which is slated to hold on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, is the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

The immediate past president of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been chosen as the Chairman of the occasion, while the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila have been pencilled down as the special guests of honour.

Presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, and Labour Party; Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi respectively are among those invited to the programme.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee of the ‘Day of Tribute’ in Abuja is Senator Ben Obi.

The late Chief Amechi, who was Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation in the First Republic and former parliamentarian, died on November 1, 2022.

His burial is slated for 16th February 2023 at Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Several state governors, ministers, party chieftains and members of the diplomat community have already indicated their interest in attending the programme billed for 12 noon.

This was confirmed in the programme of the event put in place by the National Planning Committee for the Funeral of Chief Amechi, which has Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as Chairman and CID Maduabum as Secretary.

Other top government functionaries, captains of industries, high-profile politicians and professionals from various walks of life are expected to grace the programme.

A similar ‘Day of Tribute’ has been scheduled to take place at the International Convention Center, Awka, Anambra State, for the late nationalist by 12 noon on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

Various committees have already been set up for the success of the funeral, including the Finance Committee, which has former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim as the Chairman.

Similarly, a 39-member State Organizing Committee (SOC) has also been constituted in Anambra State to assist the National Planning Committee in organizing the funeral for the late Chief Amechi. 

The 39-member SOC has Innocent Chukuwuma, as Chairman and Maja Umeh as Co-Chairman.