Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has expressed grief and sadness over the death of former Anambra governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, saying his candour and gaiety will be missed in the politics of the state.
Ngige, who succeeded Mbadinuju as Anambra governor, described the death of his predecessor as a huge loss to his family, Uli hometown in Ihiala Local Government Area and the entire Anambra State.
In a statement by his media office in Abuja, Ngige said he was deeply saddened and pained by the news of the death of Mbadinuju, popularly known as Odera, at the age of 78.
He paid glowing tribute to Odera, extolling his candour and gaiety, for which he will be missed sorely in the politics of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
Ngige said: “Mbadinuju was a good family man. In his dealings as a politician, he was humble, open, honest and frank.
“He was a good Christian and showed profound care and compassion to others. Odera did his best for Anambra State in spite of distractions from political godfathers who held sway in the state until I came into office and led the struggle to liberate Anambra from the parasitic godfathers.
“The vacuum created by his death will be very difficult to fill. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and associates, the Uli community and the people of Anambra State,” he said.
While commiserating with his family and the people of Uli town, Ngige urged them to find solace in the fact that Odera lived a fulfilled and accomplished life.
He also sent his condolences to the government and people of Anambra State, as well as Odera’s friends and political associates.
Ngige prayed God to give Mbadinuju’s family and others he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss and grant his soul eternal rest.