– Buhari, Soludo, Others Mourn

Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, has joined his ancestors. He passed on at the age of 78.

Mbadinuju’s transition was announced on Tuesday in a statement by his first son, Chetachi Mbadinuju.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State are among political leaders that have commemorated with the family.

Parts of Barrister Chetachi Mbadinuju’s statement reads: “With heavy hearts, but utmost gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle, friend and associate, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a former governor of Anambra State and elder statesman.”

Chetachi also said his father “passed on peacefully” on Tuesday morning at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness, adding: “At this trying time, we pray for God’s grace and mercy upon him and those left behind to mourn him.”

According to Barrister Mbadinuju, the family will announce his funeral arrangements in due course.

It would be recalled that Dr Mbadinuju’s political career first came into limelight when he emerged a personal assistant to the former Governor of old Enugu State, Sen Jim Nwobodo, between 1979 and 1980.

Mbadinuju later served the former Nigeria’s Head of State, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, also as a personal aide, between 1980 and 1983.

The late Dr Mbadinuju later served as the Governor of Anambra State between 29 May 1999 and 29 May 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

When he tried to be re-elected for a second term as governor on PDP platform, he was denied the party’s ticket which was later given to Dr Chris Ngige.