Jonathan, Saraki, others mourn Maduekwe, Amadi

Former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has lamented the death of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and foremost writer, Elechi Amadi, describing their exit as sad losses for the country.

Jonathan stated this in separate condolence messages to families of the deceased.

He described Maduekwe as “a nationalist, foremost administrator and intellectual giant who contributed so much to the task of nation building.”

In a statement issued by Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, the former president’s media adviser, Jonathan said: “Amadi was a renowned writer and patriot who served his country meritoriously, through his literary works and exempla- ry performance in public service. As an author, his works helped change the story of a continent, by rendering accurate accounts of profound African life and traditions as a counterpoise to inexact stereotypes”.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and his predecessor, David Mark, also mourned the two notable Nigerians.

Saraki described Elechi as a literary giant whose impactful life would continue to be of immense educational benefit to Nigerians and the world at large. He noted that Elechi contributed greatly to national development having served in the Nigerian Army. Ekweremadu described the late Madekwe as “a political colossus, public administrator per excellence, and uncommon patriot”.