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Nnamdi Kanu: How Ex-Minister, Amaechi, Died In Pain, Unfulfilled Dream

Published

4 years ago

November 1, 2022

Editor

Nigerians, Tuesday morning, received with shock news of the sudden demise of First Republic Minister, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.

For the people of the South-East region, it is one death too many.

The 93-year-old former parliamentarian died as one of the surviving respected Igbo leaders.

Residents say his death is even more painful considering that he died without achieving his last major wish.

It could be re-called that in November 2021 the nonagenarian had led other eminent Igbo leaders to President Muhammadu Buhari, during which he requested for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

He had begged Buhari to release Kanu to him as a way of political solution to the disquiet in the South-East zone.

Other members of the delegation were former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, former President of Igbo socio-cultural group, Aka Ikenga, Goddy Uwazurike and Tagbo Amaechi.

Amaechi told Buhari that the situation in the South-East was “painful and pathetic,” as businesses had collapsed, while education was crumbling amid fears.

He promised that if Kanu was released to him as the only First Republic minister still alive, “he (Kanu) would no longer say the things he had been saying.”

Responding, Buhari had told his visitors that the request was a tough one.

He, however, said owing to the age of the leader of the delegation, Amaechi, he would consider it.

The President had said, “You’ve made an extremely difficult demand on me as the leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious. In the last six years, since I became President, nobody would say I have confronted or interfered in the work of the judiciary.

“God has spared you (referring to the ex-minister), and given you a clear head at this age, with a very sharp memory. A lot of people half your age are confused already. But the demand you made is heavy. I will consider it.”

However, six months after, Buhari made a U-turn, declaring that the law would run its course of Kanu’s trial.

The event was in Ebonyi during his two-day visit to the State. He met with Igbo leaders as part of the visit.

And addressing them, Buhari, who had earlier promised to look into the request made by the elder statesman, said the court would determine the fate of Nnamdi Kanu.

The President told his audience made up mostly of South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council that, “I have listened carefully to the various appeals from the elders to the traditional leaders regarding a wide range of options, and as I have said previously, this matter remains in the full purview of the courts where it will be properly adjudicated.

“My worry is for our hardworking and innocent civilians, for whom life is already tough and would like to earn a decent and honest living.

‘‘There are many that fit this profile and the government owes them that obligation to protect lives and property.”

This statement from the President dashed the hopes of Amaechi and indeed the entire people of the South-East zone.

Though the now late Amaechi later repeatedly pleaded that his wish be granted by the Buhari government, it never came to be until he transited early this morning, Tuesday.

He had looked up to a peaceful South-East and end of the worrisome Monday sit-at-home, which would be made possible by Nnamdi Kanu’s release but that desire never came to fruition.

The Appeal Court had acquitted and discharged Kanu but the Federal Government returned to the same Court with a stay of execution application, which was granted.
DAILY POST

Related Topics:First Republic Minister IPOB Nnamdi Kanu

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.