Jonathan, Others Pay Tribute As Matthew Mbu Is Buried
CALABAR, March 30, (THEWILL) - President Goodluck Jonathan has described late elder statesman, Ambassador Matthew Mbu, as one of the foremost political icons to have emerged from what is today the south-south geopolitical zone.
In a condolence addressed to one of the children of Mbu, Senator Matthew Mbu, President Jonathan who was represented by Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, at the funeral mass at the Okundi Lodge country home, Boki Local Government Area, 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 the President, “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.
Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Efiok Cobham, said the loss of a man of Dr. M T 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” he noted and the state takes consolation in the exemplary life, full of lasting legacies that he lived, adding that Cross Riverians are equally consoled that he positively touched the lives of many through his good deeds and philanthropy and shall be guided by the ideals he lived for and be inspired by the achievements he attained.
Tributes were also sent in by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Dahiru Musdapher, Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi, Governor T A Orji of Abia State, Peter Obi of Anambra, Dr Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state and former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili.
Rev Father Kekong Bisong, in a homily titled “this we must remember” said Mbu handled the rough and difficult times with uncommon serenity and he will be remembered for his simplicity, the open mind of true wisdom and the meekness of true strength, stressing that he was strong enough to know when he was weak and brave enough to face himself when he was troubled.
The Clergy described the deceased as a man, a Christian, a Knight who accomplished all these in life and in death will remain a giant in Nigeria and the world and as such public servants like Mbu do not die, they live on in the memories of those they have served.