By Chuks Moses, Awka
The former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, is dead.
Announcing his demise his eldest son, Chetachi, said; “With heavy hearts but utmost gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our father, grand father, 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 ”
Meanwhile, former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed shock and sadness over the passing away of Dr Chinwoke Mbadiniju, who governed Anambra State from 1999 to 2003.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Atiku decried the death of the former governor and a seasoned intellectual of the Ekwueme school of politics.
According to Atiku, Mbadiniju was a quiet politician of note, who saw no need for unnecessary bickering and crisis-ridden politics in Anambra State when he lost the 2003 election.
It was glaring, the Waziri of Adamawa noted, that Mbadinuju had learnt the politics of compromise from the great political leader and late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme under whom he received political tutelage.
The former Vice President expressed his condolences to the Mbadinijus, and the government and people of Anambra State on the loss of this illustrious son and father who still had much to contribute in the development of the state in particular, and Nigeria in general.
He urged the family to bear the loss with fortitude and prayed to God to grant Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju a peaceful repose.
