Achebe: Anambra govt thanks Jonathan, international community, others

[SunNews]

From DOM EKPUNOBI, Onitsha

The Anambra State government has expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan and the international community for their roles in the burial of Prof. Chinua Achebe. The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike who spoke with the Press in Awka on behalf of the government noted with delight that President Jonathan had apart from his assistance before the burial, personally come down to Ogidi the home town of the late literary icon and participated fully in the burial.

The commissioner echoed the statement made by the Anambra State governor, Peter Obi at the church service before the burial, that it was only a President like Jonathan that could have taken the pains to attend the burial. He also noted that the international community showed solidarity with the government and people of Anambra state in the colourful ceremony. Chief Uzodike said that Anambra State government was also particularly impressed with the presence of the President of Ghana John Mahama and noted that several non-Africans travelled from their various countries to participate.

The government, he said also commended the people of Anambra for trooping out to be at the burial which he observed was one of the well attended burials in the world, an action which he said testified to the love and appreciation the people had for Prof. Achebe for his contributions to literary works. He noted that the former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme was due for overseas medical attention,  but deferred it to be present at the burial. Responding to a question, Chief Uzodike explained that neither himself nor the state executive arm of government had any rift with the State House of Assembly. He explained that his statement relating to an issue with the Assembly members was misunderstood and that he apologised to the House for any misgiving.

He said "I have no problem with the House  and the government has no problem with the House. "My statement was misunderstood and I was quoted out of context. I am ready to apologise 10 times in the interest of peace and the people of the state.The House is right to perceive what I said the way they have done. "Being a reputable House made up of intellectuals and those who distinguished themselves in various fields; I have no choice than to apologise to them for that collective view. "That was what I did in the House when they summoned me on the 9th of May and I am still reiterating that apology made on the floor of the House for that misconception".

Recalled that the Anambra State House of Assembly had earlier summoned the Commissioner over a publication in a national daily in relation to the wedding of a sister to an oil magnet, Chief Ifeanyi Uba which some members of the House attended in Lagos.

Via: Sun News Online