. As Buhari, Atiku, Soludo mourn
The former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, aka Odera, is dead.
Information has it that Mbadinuju, aged 78, passed on at the National hospital in the morning of Tuesday, April 11, 2023 after a brief illness.
A notification of the transition which was signed on behalf of the family by Cheta Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Esq read,
“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.
Mbadinuju who was known for his kind heart and easy going character emerged Anambra State when it was thought impossible, hence the nick name, Odera.
His administration however face turbulent times as a result of the grip of political god father, leading to closure of schools and non payment of teachers salaries for one year.
To this end, he lost his second term bid in 2023 and has been barely out of circulation.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Anambra State, as well as the Mbadinuju family of Uli, Ihiala LGA on the passing of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, former governor of Anambra State (1999-2003).
The President believes that the late Mbadinuju’s legacy of bringing peace and development to the State, including ending the long years of violent conflict in Umuleri and Aguleri, during his administration as governor, will forever remain an important part of the history of Anambra.
He will also be remembered for his vision for the people of the State and beyond on quality education and entrepreneurship, leading to the establishment of the Anambra State University, now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
Paying tribute to the dogged determination of the seasoned academic, journalist and lawyer in inspiring and empowering many young people to believe in the power of their dreams and achieve their potentials, President Buhari urges family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers to reflect on the contributions of the former governor in building lives and communities.
President Buhari prays that the memory of the departed will be a blessing and inspiration to all that mourn.
Also, The 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.
Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has commiserated with the family of Chinwoke Mbadinuju (Odera), first Executive Governor of the state, who passed on earlier today, April 11, 2023 at the age of 78.
The demise of the former Governor was announced by his son, Cheta Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Esq on behalf of the family.
The late Mbadinuju was the former Governor of Anambra State from May 1999 to 29 May, 2003. He was elected Governor on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.
Governor Soludo who had consoled the family also sympathised with Uli Community in Ihiala Council Area as well as the entire people of Anambra State for the loss.
The Governor notes that the late ‘Odera’ will be fondly remembered for passing a law that created the Anambra Vigilante Services, establishing Anambra State University, Uli, among other legacy projects.
Governor Soludo asked the family to ensure his good legacies are sustained while praying that the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest!
