Posted by The Port Harcourt Telegraph on
Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili says that the legacy which the Governor of old Imo State late Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe left behind remains a challenge to serving political leaders in the country.
Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili says that the legacy which the Governor of old Imo State late Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe left behind remains a challenge to serving political leaders in the country.
Governor Odili made the remark on Thursday while delivering a lecture at the Dr Sam Mbakwe first memorial lecture at the Concorde Hotel, Owerri, Imo State.
He described late Dr Mbakwe as an astute politician who combined socio-economic and political activities to prove that there exists no direct cultural inheritance in the power of the intellect and greatness of the mind, noting that, "real beauty lay in the hearts and minds of men", and the capacity to overcome the circumstances of one's environment".
The State Governor said Chief Mbakwe was an acclaimed social crusader, a political philosopher and a beacon of hope for the common people as he translated his vision into concrete meaning, which was exemplified, in his numerous records of achievements.
Dr Odili opined that the benefits of democracy are overwhelming and Nigerians cannot tolerate any other form of government except democracy, emphasizing that Chief Mbakwe wept that the country might be better than yesterday.
Governor Odili therefore called for improved sustainability on the legacies left behind by the late Elder Statesman and highlighted some of his achievements, especially his strategy on industrial development, which was unequalled.
He commended him for appropriately utilizing social advocacy as a tool to propagate the injustices on his people even as he pioneered the derivation principle that produced the present 13 per cent, stressing that the history of Nigeria would not be complete without reference to him as a political gladiator.
The Rivers State Chief Executive also referred to the late Chief as a model, a politician worthy of emulation and advised Nigerian leaders to leave legacies that would be remembered by generations to come.
Speaking as guest of honour, President Olusegun Obasanjo lauded the late Governor for the commitment to quality leadership which he provided his people, tales of which have continued to re-echo years after he left office.
Obasanjo who was represented by Prof. Fabian Osuji, Minister of Education said that his advocacy on the abandoned property issue was undaunted and truly marked him out as the great fighter for the masses who hated injustice and therefore promised to support the foundation.
Speaking as Chairman, the Senate President, Adolphus Wabara stated that late Chief Mbakwe was a torch light to the people of old Imo State as his credentials were eloquent testimonies to his achievements.