President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the families, government and people of Abia, Delta and Rivers states on the death of their illustrious sons: a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe; retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Nikki Tobi and a literary icon, Captain Elechi Amadi.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the President received the news of their death with profound sadness.
In all his years of service to Nigeria as a diplomat, minister, politician and ambassador, President Buhari said, the late Maduekwe was an ardent believer in the unity of Nigeria and gave all to that pursuit.
As Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, the President affirmed that Maduekwe’s relentless call to citizen diplomacy and for Nigerians to be treated with dignity across the globe would continue to inspire other patriotic people to promote a positive international image of the country.
Paying tribute to Justice Nikki Tobi, he described him as a brave jurist who served Nigeria creditably and brought his many years of training, knowledge and wisdom to the Bench.
The President also joined the literary and academic community in mourning Amadi, whose writings and postulations as a novelist, poet and playwright introduced many generations of the world to the vibrant Nigerian culture.
In paying homage to the Man of Letters, visionary and venerated elder who dedicated his life to values of peace, equality, dignity and the reading culture in Nigeria, the President believed that the passing away of Amadi is as much a loss to Nigeria and Africa as it is to the world.
He affirmed that the outpouring of griefs and tributes across Nigeria and beyond was a testament of the high degree of respect and acceptance Amadi commanded around the world.
He prayed God to grant the souls of the departed citizens eternal rest and comfort their families, friends and admirers.