Achebe for burial May 23

Renowned Nigerian Author and literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, who passed on in Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America on March 22, would be buried on May 23,  Governors of the South East states announced Sunday.

The internationally celebrated writer and author of 'Things Fall Apart' died at the age of 82.

Rising from the South East Governors' Forum at the Government House, Enugu, the governors said the burial date was chosen following due consultations with the deceased author's family and other stakeholders, who had indicated interest to participate in the funeral.

Members of Achebe's family were  also present at the  meeting.

Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, who briefed newsmen after the meeting, however, declined to give further details, but expressed the readiness of the governors to accord Achebe a benefitting burial.

Obi said that the forum also deliberated on security issues in the South East zone and the ongoing Federal Government's projects targeted at upgrading Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu to an International Airport.

Also speaking with newsmen, the first son of the late writer,  Ikechukwu Achebe described his father as a good man who wished Nigeria well.

He recalled that his father's last wishes was a Nigeria that would be free of corruption, as well as, a Nigeria that would live up to the expectations of its citizens.

Ikechukwu thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for granting him an opportunity to meet with him and his support to the family.

He also expressed gratitude to the South East Governors for their support and special indication that his late father's burial was an important event.

Governors Peter Obi, Martin Elechi,  Theodore Orji and Sullivan Chime of Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu  and Abia States attended the meeting while Imo State Governor,  Rochas Okorocha, who left Nigeria for London last Friday following an injury he sustained in an auto crash, was represented by his deputy, Eze Madumere.

r