Iwuanyanwu Onu, Ezeife, Attah, others head Nat Planning C’ttee for Mbazulike’s Burial

A national planning committee for the funeral of late Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Minister of Aviation in the First Republic in Nigeria has been announced.

In a press release signed by Tagbo I. Amechi for the family, it was revealed that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, would head the committee for the planning of the funeral, with popular Nigerian politicians, patriots and businessmen as members.

Tagbo in the release said: “Following the transition of the foremost statesman, nationalist and one of the last remaining Fathers of Nigerian Independence, Chief Mbazulike Amechi (Dara Akunwafor), Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation in the First Republic on 1st November 2022, the family, in consultation with his associates and other stakeholders wish to announce the setting up of a committee of distinguished and respected Nigerian leaders to plan a befitting burial for this great Nigerian patriot. The burial is scheduled for 16th February 2023 at Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.”

Members of the committee include Alh. Tanko Yakasai, Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr. Tim Menakaya, Chief Simon N. Okeke, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, and Chief Emeka Ihedioha.

Others are Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Arc. Obong Victor Attah, Dr. Sam Egwu, Chief Achike Udenwa, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, CON, Dame Virgy Etiaba and Senator Theodore Orji.

Also listed as members are; Chief John Nnia Nwodo, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Prof. Maurice Iwu, Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Okey Ezenwa, Prince Ned Nwoko, Prof. Fred Eze, Prince Emeka Udodeme, Chief Uwakwe Azikiwe and CID Maduabum who will serve as secretary.

The release stated that in due course, the committee will make public further details of the burial.
Amechi, had for long ranked as the only surviving members of the Zikist movement of the precolonial era.

He had been outspoken, and has severally waded into matters that concern the Igbo race. The latest was the call for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a secessionist group, rooting for the independent state of Biafra.

Amechi had begged Buhari to grant him the release of Kanu as his last request, before his death in November 2022