AT exactly 2pm amid clement weather and joy of fulfillment, the remains of Nigeria’s first envoy to the United Kingdom (UK), Ambassador Mathew Tawo Mbu was laid to rest.

He was interred in the grave he (Mbu) had prepared for himself over 50 years ago by the Catholic Church led Bishop Joseph Ukpo in Ukundi, Boki Council.

President Goodluck Jonathan has described the  late elder statesman, Ambassador Mbu, as one of the foremost political icons to have emerged from what is today the south-south geopolitical zone.

In a condolence  message, Jonathan, who was represented by Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, at the funeral mass at the Okundi Lodge country home, Boki Council, said the deceased was “an unwavering fighter for the entrainment of growth, development, equity and justice across the nation.”

Jonathan noted that “in every high profile position which Mbu served his fatherland, even as a very young man in high office, he brought the same characteristic level of uncompromising diligence and commitment to excellence to bear on the discharge of his duties,” adding that in his later years, he devoted his time and resources to driving the cause of the nations peace and stability.

According to him,  “M T Mbu, as he was more popularly known, no doubt leaves behind a rich legacy of selfless service, committed leadership and exemplary love, which should inspire us all to greater commitment to service to God, country, community and fellow man” and described him as a consummate nationalist and patriot, an astute leader of men, an accomplished diplomat and steadfast defender of unity peace and stability of Nigeria.

Imoke, represented his Deputy, Mr. Efiok Cobham, said the loss of Mbu stature is colossal and gone with him is a huge part of the past which people will never forget, adding that however, the state celebrate the good fortune of having such an endowed and selfless man who played a very significant role in its socio-political development of Nigeria.

“It is laudable albeit, unusual trait that in spite of his national, international experience and exposure he never lost with his root.

He attended quite religiously, every annual congregation of Boki people under the auspices of “Ochibe Boki”, a gathering that normally charts the course for the political and socio-cultural advancement of the Boki people.”

-Guardian

Posted by admin on Mar 31 2012. Filed under Headlines. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry