The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Prof. Chinua Achebe.
Ekweremadu, in condolence message by Mr Uche Anichukwu, his Special Adviser (Media), in Abuja on Friday described Achebe's death as the “exit of a literary Iroko’’.
“This is a very sad development given that Achebe employed his writing prowess to paint Nigeria proudly on the global map of fame, and as a social critic.
“He was very courageous and spoke his mind according to his conviction without fear or favour,’’ he said.
Ekweremadu condoled with the professor's family as well as the government and people of Anambra and the nation in general over the irreparable loss.
Also, Sen. Uche Chukwumerije, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, described late Achebe as a patriotic, honest and detribalised Nigeria of this era.
Chukwumwerije said this while speaking with newsmen in Nsukka on Friday during the committee’s oversight function at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
He said the death of Achebe had marked the end of era of undiluted truth in the history of Nigeria.
“I received the news of Achebe’s death with shock. Achebe dedicated his life time to the service of humanity. Nigeria and the world in general have lost literary icon and giant.
“Achebe will be remembered as detribalised, great thinker and honest Nigerian. The history of world best literary icons will be incomplete without mentioning Achebe,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Bartho Okolo, also described the death of Achebe as great loss to the country and the world at large.
“Achebe will be remembered as one, who believed in excellence, intellectualism and merit. UNN will remember Achebe, especially on his immense contributions to Institute of African Studies.
Gov. Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers while reacting to Achebe’s in Port Harcourt on Friday said his literary works spoke volumes and were internationally recognised.
Amaechi said his favourite among the books written by Achebe was a man of the people’’ noting: “I love and have read’’, the book over and over again, mostly because of its portrayal of leadership as it is in Africa.
“I have also commissioned that a movie be made out of it for the benefit of more people, especially our youths who are the leaders of tomorrow.
“It is such a shock to me that our dearly beloved Achebe, the man who gave us several notable works of literature is gone,’’ he said.
Amaechi said, “Achebe's intelligence still motivated me, I remember his kind words, his fatherly advice and encouragement.’’
?While, Gov Chime wants Achebe’s literary legacy sustained
Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has called for the sustenance of the legacies of the late renowned author, Prof. Chinua Achebe, who died at 82.
This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Chukwudi Achife, in Enugu on Saturday.
Chime described Achebe as a renowned and celebrated literary icon whose works and efforts toward the advancement of the human race would continue to be acknowledged and respected.
The governor called on stakeholders, writers to advance his legacies, adding: “Achebe’s death is a huge loss to mankind, Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
“ Nigeria in particular will miss a great patriot, worthy ambassador and a role model for many generations,’’ he said.
Chime extended his condolence to the President Goodluck Jonathan, the government and people of Anambra as well as the family of the deceased.
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