Anyaoku, a world class character – Obasanjo, Jonathan

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday said that Nigeria was blessed with world class leaders, citing Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Commonwealth Secretary General, as one.
Obasanjo made the remark at the launch of Anyaoku’s pictorial biography entitled: “Footprints of an Iconic Diplomat”, at Muson Clentre, Lagos.
According to him, Anyaoku is one of the many Nigerian citizens with a world class character.
He said: “The way Anyaoku has carried himself in the international arena did not only give him dignity, but also gave Nigeria a good image.
“I am very proud of Anyaoku, a quintessential gentleman and a great diplomat, who has done the country proud.”
Also speaking, President Goodluck Jonathan described Anyaoku as “a royal icon of our time.”
Jonathan said that he was happy about a consensus of opinion of what Anyaoku represented.
Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, said: “Anyaoku represents an enigma of our time.
“He remains a trojan warrior.
“He spearheaded many battles for the enthronement of democracy and the rule of law in Africa.”
On his part, former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was the Chief Launcher, also described Anyaoku as a Madiba of some sorts.
Tinubu, who was represented by Dr. Leke Pitan, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Health, said: “Anyaoku is about the closest to the Nelson Mandela of our time.
“He is a bridge builder whose advice is more needed now in Nigeria than ever before.”
In her remarks, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa (ACN-Ikorodu), said Anyaoku is a man, who was worthy of emulation.
“We need more Anyaokus in Nigeria and we are proud of him,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
Other dignitaries at the event included Senator Ben Obi, retired Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode and several diplomats.