President, Buhari sympathize with Azikiwe family over eldest son’s death

monjola sotubo

May 13, 2015 9:05 AM

The younger Azikiwe died at on Sunday, May 10, 2015, after a prolonged battle with a respiratory illness.

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has extended his condolences to the family of Nigeria’s first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe, over the death of his eldest son, Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe.

Jonathan expressed his sympathies to the family via a statement released by his media aide, Reuben Abati on Tuesday, May 12.

It reads in part:

“President Jonathan believes that the late Azikiwe, who was also the Owelle Onitsha, lived a fulfilled life by sustaining the humanitarian and leadership legacies of his father as a mobiliser, leader, philanthropist and a highly respected voice in his community.”

President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari also sent his condolences to the Azikiwe family.

“With the demise of Chukwuma Azikiwe, a gentleman has left a turbulent world. Ambassador Azikiwe was a thorough-bred Nigerian citizen who chose a private life after a distinguished diplomatic career in Nigeria’s Foreign Service,” Buhari said.

The President-elect also described the late Chukwuma Azikiwe as a friend who had paid him regular visits at his home in Kaduna.

Burial arrangements for the deceased will be announced later by the family.

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