The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has described the late essayist, poet and celebrated novelist, Prof. Chinua Achebe, who died early on Friday as a true patriot whose love and passion for Nigeria cannot be doubted.
In a statement by his Press Secretary, Felix Ofou, Uduaghan said though there were moments when the late teacher of African Literature’s views were at variance with the authorities, he left no one in doubt as to his depth of love for Nigeria.
Governor Uduaghan also noted that Achebe was unmistakably Nigeria’s foremost ambassador to the world through his craft as a novelist, poet, essayist, teacher, public affairs analyst and renowned speaker at the world stage.
He said: “It is noteworthy that most of Professor Chinua Achebe’s books were about Nigeria. For this, he won so many awards. I can say he was Nigeria’s foremost ambassador. He was a true patriot who put his country first where he went and in whatever he did.”
Uduaghan further described Achebe’s death as a big blow to Nigeria, the academia particularly African literature as well as to all lovers of democracy and good governance all over the world.
The governor prayed God to grant the nation, the deceased family, associates and admirers the fortitude to bear the loss.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said with the death of Achebe, Nigeria has lost a literary giant who left an indelible print in the sands of time.
In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, Governor Oshiomhole said: “On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I wish to commiserate with the Governor and the good people of Anambra State on the death of the literary giant, Professor Chinua Achebe.
“With Achebe’s death, Anambra State and indeed Nigeria has lost a major personality, who played a unique role in its modern history. Even as an intellectual giant, his voice resonated with clarity and authoritative distinction on matters of national interest.
“He was a remarkable personality and will always be remembered for his forthrightness and incisive contributions to national issues. He could not be ignored or taken for granted on any matter, even by those who disagreed with him.
“His death evokes nostalgic emotion in the minds of all who read his books. His epic novel, “Things Fall Apart”, which earned him the sobriquet, ‘father of modern African literature’, is perhaps the best known book in this part of the world, aside the Holy Books.
“His recent book, ‘There Was A Country’ offers illuminating insights into the Nigeria civil war especially from his perspective as a chronicler of those trying moments in Nigeria history. His death no doubt will leave a big vacuum in the literary world. His rejection of several National Awards speaks of the vintage Achebe who was more concerned with the plight of the ordinary Nigerian than the investiture of an award.
“We pray God to grant his family the courage and strength to bear his loss. We also pray our Heavenly Father to grant his soul peaceful repose.”
The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has expressed shock over the death of Achebe.
“It is with great shock that, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, the governor of Imo State, received the news of the unfortunate death of our dear Prof. Chinua Achebe,” said Okorocha’s media aide, Ebere Uzoukwa, said in a statement.
The statement added: “Prof. Achebe’s demise is a colossal loss to Nigeria and Igbo nation having contributed eloquently in the education sector and overall nation building through his internationally accepted literary works, constructive criticism and of course his uncompromising war against social malpractices.”
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has described the death of Achebe as a fall of an Iroko tree.
Senator Ndoma-Egba, in a statement on Friday, described the late Achebe as a master story teller who defined his age and times.
The statement reads, “An Iroko has fallen. Chinua Achebe was a master story teller who defined his age and times.
“He gave African Literature definition and character. Like William Shakespeare, Chinua Achebe lives on.”
Trending
- Wike: Fubara is a mistake, I’ll correct it soon
- EFCC to Embassies: It’s illegal to demand dollars for services
- Rivers: Why Gov. Fubura got into trouble – Secondus
- How sharp is your threshing instrument?, by Enobong Etteh
- Army reacts as soldiers protest over condition of detention facility
- Ndukaba to Tinubu: These are very tough times
- Nigerian military unveils plan for construction of Invictus centre
- Ifumkpa: Community where youths, foreigners connive for illegal mining