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Good ones are dieing off, very soon all we are going to have running around is going to be the Igbo efulefus like Chris Uba, Iwuanyanwu, Ojo Maduekwes of this world. May the soul of De sam Mbakwe rest in perfect peace.
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May his spirit leave in peace.May his good work for Umuigbo be a reminder to all of us . Goodness shall not depart from his offspring.
Adieu uncle Sam, Though they called you the weeping Governor ,but we saw you as A GREAT VOICE for Ndi Igbo.
I pray that your death shall be a good sacrifice to get what Ndi igbo wanted and still want . That is what you fought for as an admin in okigwe sector,I mean our great BIAFRA. Rest in peace
Umuibe
___________________ Biafra is not part of nIGERIA but a nation on the making. Posts: 66 | From: BIAFRA | Registered: May 2003
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May Sam Mbakwe's soul rest in perfect peace.
Mr. Mbakwe, your contribution to Igbo and her people will never be forgoten. They call you the crying governor least did they know that it was your way of getting things done for Igbo.
Ndi Igbo will remember you forever and will give you your righful place when the modern history of Igbo is written.
Rest in Peace my Hero.
___________________ BIAFRA MUST RISE AGAIN. LONG LIVE BIAFRA!! Posts: 1080 | From: California, USA. | Registered: Oct 2002
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___________________ The only solution is to divide BiafraNigeria. If not now, then when? If not us, then who? Posts: 173 | Registered: Mar 2001
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I do not know this man, but most people seem to agree that he was a good governor for Old Imo. May his soul rest in peace.
Posts: 113 | From: USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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Most African Americans like you do not know a lot about Igboland.
May his soul rest in peace.
Why did the current governor spend only $20,000 for Mbakwe's medical treatment and travel. How far did he think that money will go in a German Hospital?
___________________ Feel me? Ofu onye ana asi unu abia go. - Ednut Igbo-American . www.airamericaradio.com visit her. Posts: 2447 | From: Mother Earth | Registered: Mar 2001
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Since I learnt of the death of this GREAT IGBO through a relative from home yesterday (Wednesday,) I couldn't hold myself together to write what I write here.
Ideed, Igboland has lost ONE OF ITS DWINDLING BESTS. Its sad, sad, really sad. As I wepted and still weep for the departure of this truly TRUE SON FROM ALAIGBO, one conselation I have is that unlike others, he left a LEGACY which any Igboman/woman who worths that name should and MUST copy.
Since all of us cannot be present when he is lowered to mother earth, I think the only way we can show gratitute to the ex-governor for his people-oriented works while he was alive is to send our widows-mite so that he is given a befitting burial. Another way we can do this is by making sure the two widows he left behind are properly taken care of. I personally will be making move towards these channels. Honestly, if I should write how I feel about this man maybe this thread will not be enough to express those emotions. Therefore, all I can say is MAY THE GREAT SOUL OF DEE SAM MBAKWE REST IN PERFECT PEACE!
May the tree from which his type of IGBO-AT-HEART and AT ALL TIMES grow branches. Amen!!
Posts: 997 | From: Germany | Registered: Mar 2001
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What can I say? Even an efulefu like you, should get one free chance to throw dart at me. You have just had yours for 2004. From here on up, it is Tit for Tat.
Seriously, I do not know about Mbakwe as governor of Imo State. But, I have read about his tenure, and on the balance, it was good.
Posts: 113 | From: USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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lets sheat the sword on this thread, this thread is to honor a Governor who put people first during his tenure. When we look at what is going on in Anambra State today, one start to appreciate more the leadership Dr Sam Mbakwe provided. Remember the Multiple Campus for Imo State university, which Sabo Ike Nwachukwu consolidated and moved to oturu Okigwe, today errosion is about to wipe that Institution out. If the Multi Campus provide by De Sam had remained the way he envisioned it, both Imo and Abia State would have been better for it.
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Certainly, a great Igbo man has passed. The Ngwati press likes to call Mbakwe the “weeping governor,” because it suits their anti-Igbo orientation. If Mbakwe was a weeping governor, he was weeping for the desolate state of Imo State and Igboland, for which there was no excuse, except the greed of the Nigerians. But, before he was “weeping governor,” Mbakwe, an astute lawyer, was also known as “Mr. Abandoned Property” for his legal challenges to the Eastern Minority criminals who stole Igbo property and called it “abandoned property.” Mbakwe was behind many of the legal battles for Nd’Igbo to recover their property stolen by eastern Minority cowards in what is now Rivers, Cross River, Beyelsa, and Akwa Ibom States, who saw the Nigeria-Biafra war as an excuse to steal Igbo property.
However, I am really baffled by the suggestion that Sam Mbakwe died in poverty, that he could not pay his medical bills, or that his family needs financial help from Nd’Igbo. According to the report of Mbakwe’s death,
With all due respect, it was Mbakwe that made Iwuanyanwu and his Hadel and Enic rich. Iwuanyanwu should have shown some gratitude to the man that made him rich, or Mbakwe should have been more careful in picking his friends.
While Mbakwe was governor of Imo State, he frequently boasted that he was a very wealthy man even before he became governor. There is no reason to dispute that. After all, before he became governor, Mbakwe was a Chairman of MCC - Monier Construction Company, the biggest construction concern in the East in his time. After his governorship, Mbakwe retired to his mansion in Obowu.
On one occasion, classic Mbakwe mooned a woman who antagonized him, and Mbakwe later stated that “you do not climb an Iroko tree more than once.” He was of course making a allusion to his willingness to get what he could while he was governor.
Many Imo indigenes are familiar with Mbakwe’s mansion in Obowu because Mbakwe was governor of Imo State when his first wife died of breast cancer, and people from across the land visited the mansion to pay their condolences.
In the early 1980s, while Mbakwe was the governor of Imo State, his children in the US were living like kings. They lived in mansions, drove around in super expensive cars, and were the celebrities of that era in the Igbo community. Many Igbo people sought out and married Mbakwe’s daughters. Those in-laws also became rich from their Mbakwe connections. So, why are we now being told that Mbakwe’s family needs help from Igbo people?
May his soul rest in peace.
Posts: 365 | Registered: Mar 2001
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Once again people, another great son of the soil has moved on...
Adieu Chief Sam Mbakwe. Your many deeds will not be forgotten.
If all the Obasanjo minions that are riding roughshod all over Igboland possessed half of his (Mbakwe’s) commitment to the masses, the dwindling fortunes of the Igbo people of Nigeria would not be as dire. May other men and women of goodwill, integrity, principle and forthrightness spring forth to take his place.
In perfect peace, may his soul eternally rest.
Addendum: Ndi be anyi, unu ahula na dike na dimkpa nile di n’ala anyi ji nwayo nwayo ala mmuo. Egwu na-atu m na mgbe na-adighi anya, ihe ga na-agbaghari akpo onwe ha ndi ndu ndi Igbo ga abu naani ndi omekome na ndi fonfoju akpa!
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HOW SAM MBAKWE DIED . * Wabara, Masari, Iwuanyanwu, others mourn him
EMMA OGU, Owerri
FAMILY of the late elder statesman Chief Sam Mbakwe, yesterday described his last moments on earth, saying there was no indication that he would die last Tuesday.
The deceased’s personal doctor, Dr. Chilezie Goderick Anosike told Daily Champion that Chief Mbakwe died of congestive cardiac failure.
Also, preparations have commenced in earnest for the burial of the political icon probably within the next three weeks just as scores of prominent Nigerians are lamenting his demise.
Among these are Senate president Chief Adolphus Wabara, Speaker Aminu Masari, Gov. Achike Udenwa of Imo State, Champion newspapers executive chairman Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and APGA national chairman Chief Chekwas Okiorie.
Speaking with Daily Champion Wednesday, first son of the deceased, Alex, said his death shocked the family.
He said his father was improving in health and left no impression that he would die soon.
According to the Port Harcourt-based engineer, the former governor upon his return from medical treatment in Germany, improved drastically in health.
He nevertheless gave thanks to God Almighty for the fulfilled life of his father, saying "God gives, God takes, we are grateful to God because our father lived a fulfilled life."
Personal doctor of the deceased, Dr. Anosike, who spoke at his Cottage Hospital, Avutu, said Chief Mbakwe died of congestive cardiac failure, an ailment for which he had been sent abroad several times.
Dr. Anosike, however, expressed surprise that the late politician died when his health was improving after his return from Germany a month ago.
According to him, Chief Mbakwe died on Tuesday at 3.10 a.m.
A condolence register was last Wednesday evening opened at the family compound as sympathisers continued to arrive.
Meanwhile, preparations have commenced for the burial of Chief Mbakwe.
Last Wednesday, leaders of his native Avutu community as well as religious leaders converged at the family compound for a meeting with the deceased’s family.
Eze Abel Chukwuocha of Avutu community told Daily Champion that the late leader will be accorded a befitting burial in recognition of his achievements in the community.
He described the late Dee Sam as a man of God who worked for God, pointing out that the community has already commenced actions for his burial.
The royal father, however, noted that a particular date for the burial has not been fixed even as he confirmed that Mbakwe’s body is in an Enugu mortuary.
However the family led by Alex has already notified the state government officially about Mbakwe’s death.
Daily Champion gathered from a close family source that Chief Mbakwe would be buried in three week’s time in line with the traditions of the Anglican church which he belonged and where he held a prominent position in Obowo.
As at 9.30 p.m. Wednesday, a flurry of meetings was going between leaders and indigenes of the town for the burial.
Apart from his contributions to the State, the late Chief Mbakwe was rumoured as largely instrumental to his community’s development.
Transition Committee Chairman of Obowo local government area, Dr. Raymond Emerenini said the council has commenced actin to ensure a befitting burial of the former governor and would communicate the relevant government officials in the state and individuals soon.
Chief Mbakwe died on Tuesday at the age of 74 at his home in Avutu, Obowo local government areas of Imo State.
Reacting to the demise Senate President Adolphus Wabara described it as an "irreparable loss," to the nation.
Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Bello Masari and All Progressive Grand Alliance, (APGA) led by Chief Chekwas Okorie also joined to mourn the late politician saying he would be missed in "various fronts in the ongoing battle to rebuild Nigeria."
Describing the death of the elder stateman as a "huge loss to the nation," the Senate President regretted that Mbakwe died at a time when his experience was most needed to ensure the entrenchment of democracy in the country.
In a statement, Senator Wabara said the late Mbakwe was "one of the architects of modern day Abia and Imo States. He achieved a lot in office because he was a very compassionate leader who was often moved to tears by the plight of the ordinary people."
Chief Wabara prayed God to "grant the family of Chief Mbakwe, the governments and people of Imo and Abia States the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of the elder statesman."
Alhaji Masari said the late "Chief Mbakwe’s tenure as second republic governor of Imo State has remained the measuring rod of the success and performance of state chief executives in the eastern zone of Nigeria till date given his exemplary commitment to service."
Lamenting the exit, Governor Achike Udenwa of Imo State said he was shocked at news of the death.
The Governor who visited family of the deceased Thursday said that though Chief Mbakwe had been sick for sometime, he did not believe death would strike so soon.
Udenwa was accompanied on the visit by his deputy Chief Ebere Udeagu, commissioner for information Chief Chris Okewulonu, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Jude Nwodum as well as his executive assistants.
He described late Mbakwe as a man of great repute, a political icon, family man and a statesman whose opinion on national issues was always sought.
The governor noted that the death of the political leader is a great loss to the state even as he urged members of the family to uphold the ideals for which their late father was noted.
Chief Udenwa noted that the late Chief Mbakwe was the architect of development in Imo State as well as a known community and church leader lamenting that Imo People will miss his sense of humour.
Chief Udenwa also assured that his administration will ensure that the late Chief Mbakwe was given a befitting burial.
Frontline politician and publisher of Champion Newspaper Limited, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, mourning late Mbakwe, said the late statesman, was his political leader.
Describing news of the demise as a sad one, Chief Iwuanyanwu said they met last on December 31, 2003, adding he looked forward to another meeting not knowing they were meeting for the last time.
"I am a member of the family. I spent time with him on December 31. It is indeed a sad news that he is no more," he said.
According to Chief Iwuanyanwu, late Mbakwe, as governor, realised that governance can only be assessed by how much happiness the people get.
He said late Mbakwe did his best, as governor to ensure that those he governed were happy even as he fought for Ndigbo.
"People had food, people had road. People had electricity. He was noted for absolute transparency during his reign. His legacy is a sort of challenge," he said.
In a condolence statement, Chief Okorie said, "APGA shall greatly miss him and his wise counsel. Before the emergence of APGA as a party, we sort Dr. Mbakwe’s blessing and endorsement, which he freely and happily gave."
He noted that the death of "Mbakwe is a big loss not only to his family and Ndigbo but also to all the progressives and the nation in general. May his noble soul rest in perfect peace."
In his reaction, former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa said it was a serious loss to the country, and most especially, to the progressives.
According to him the Late Chief Mbakwe would be fondly remembered by his colleagues in the progressive camp as a friendly and committed patriot.
Alhaji Musa, who is also chairman of Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) said the fallen statesman made laudmark achievements as governor of old Imo State.
Expressing surprise, Alhaji Musa exclaimed, "you mean he is dead? I didn’t know," noting that he asked after him at the burial of former Senate president, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo when he could not see him.
"He was very friendly and I like him very well. He was a person who could turn a situation of anger into love or laughter," Alhaji Musa told Daily Champion in a telephone interview yesterday.
Also lamenting the passage of Chief Mbakwe, Economic Adviser to President Shehu Shagari, during the period, Prof. Godwin Odenigwe said the death was a great loss, not only to the South East geo-political zone, but the country at large.
He described late Mbakwe as a rare breed who in a short time transformed the socio-economic landscape of Imo State.
"Mbakwe brought revolution in education, road transport and health care delivery in the newly created Imo State and added vibrancy and witness to the art of governance," he said adding that with his death, Nigeria has lost a good source of advice, and a dependable member of the Igbo community.
In his reaction, former Secretary of defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP) in the old Imo State, Chief Godwin Chimaroke described late Mbakwe as one "who understood that governance was not all about carting away public funds as much as you can lay your hands on."
According to him, Mbakwe left a legacy by assuring the happiness and well being of the people he governed.
He called for the immortalisation of Mbakwe’s name stressing that he fought for the welfare of Ndigbo at most difficult times.
Sam Mbakwe was a purposeful leader and a true Igbo son. He built industries that would have provided jobs to thousands of people, like the Avutu modern poultry, the biggest in West Africa, but when the military struck, they posted their friends and cronies who liquidated the industry.
I moved closely with Sam, during his administration, we made provision for vocation jobs in order to make students happy and occupied," he said.
Also, former chairman of defunct Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) in old Rivers State, Sir Emmanuel Ajunwa, lamenting the death, said he "received news of the death with shock, and disappointment, and them, relief."
He described late Mbakwe as a brother noting that he help settle his (Ajunwa) people at Obowu soon after the civil war.
Commiserating with the bereaved family, Ajunwa said Mbakwe was a man who was upright, stood his grounds for the truth and a worthy Nigeria, who excelled in all his endeavours.
On his part, former Information Minister, Prince Tony Momoh, expressing shock at the death, said it was a huge loss to the nation, especially with the foggy political situation.
He regretted that though Chief Mbakwe was noted for his selfless service while in office, and rich experience in governance, the present leadership hardly consulted him when he was alive.
Prince Momoh accused the nation’s politicians of killing their retired Senior Colleagues unconsciously contending that lack of consultation with former leaders as well as continued misbehaviour by those in office, was helping abbreviate them lives.
"We are killing our leaders by the way we behave. Our behaviour is shortening the life of our leaders," he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has described the late Chief Mbakwe as "dynamic politicians."
NSCIA’s comment was conveyed to Daily Champion in Abeokuta in a chat with Secretary General of the Council, Alhaji Lateef Adegbite.
According to him, "Dee Sam," as he was fondly called, "was always on the side of the masses."
He however called on the federal and South East state governments to immortalise the late elder statesman.
Commenting too, outgoing Deputy National Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Joe Nworgu said the Igbo have lost "a foremost apostle and crusader against Igbo marginalisation in the country."
He stressed that Late Mbakwe earned for himself the nickname, "the weeping governor," because he publicly cried out against the marginalisation of Ndigbo.
Noting that the late former governor saw the injustices meted out to Ndigbo earlier than most people and fought them, Dr. Nworgu said, "we have lost an Igbo man to the core."
___________________ Biafra is not part of nIGERIA but a nation on the making. Posts: 66 | From: BIAFRA | Registered: May 2003
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Dee Sam Mbakwe Ndi Imo na-asi gi Chimakwa anyi O Otu isibu achiga anyi O Oganihu di n'uche gi O Ochichi gi di anyi nma O Sam, Sam, Sam, Sam!
Farewell Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe Farewell Agbawo Dike izu... Thanks for the memory
Ohafia Udumeze Member Onunaka Front organization(OFO)
___________________ Awo's political idea was based on the assumption that any town beyond Owo was Igbo or Hausa. Awo was not socialised; he was not a good mixer because he did not have the opportunity, which the secondary school offered. ~TOS Benson, Baba Oba of Lagos Posts: 2644 | From: United Kingdom | Registered: Apr 2001
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Bababoyz: Yours was a fair comment. Thanks for your maturity. Famous Ibo son Nwa Aro is "personally" going to look after Mbakwe's widow(s). Ahaba biakwa nu kili O! "Ndi be anyi si na obulo ka ife nlacha si ami". Meaning you can tell a tree that will bear edible fruit.
Sadly Mbakwe had wayward Children who sent him to jail once so I agree with Dave, no need to go begging for Nwa aro's money if those kids where responsible.
___________________ God bless Chukwuma Nzeogwu! Posts: 104 | From: Utrecht, The Netherland | Registered: Dec 2002
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Quote: ---------------------------------- "Famous Ibo son Nwa Aro is "personally" going to look after Mbakwe's widow(s).---Nwa Asaba. ---------------------------------
Nwa Asaba: Please dont infect Nwa Aro with your inferiority complex. For the records, I wish to say that Nwa Aro is NOT "Ibo". I was, am, and will just like Dee Mbakwe remain an IGBOMAN both in words and ACT till death. As regards the other part of your ranting, it will be descending to your level if I should give it a reply. NWA ARO HAS OVERGROWN THAT LEVEL.
Posts: 997 | From: Germany | Registered: Mar 2001
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Rest in perfect peace Dee Onunaka Mbakwe, though the Igbo race will miss your fatherly care, we are indeed consoled with the fact that your name is scribed with indelible pen in our minds, a rare breed is gone!
___________________ He likened the second coming of Christ to the realisation of the Biafran dream, stating that at a time people least expect, the much sought Biafra would be a reality..Rev. Fr. Cornelius Ezeiloaku Posts: 622 | From: santiago, chile | Registered: Jan 2002
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