President Jonathan, David Mark, Northern Govs, Others Mourn Dora Akunyili

In his reaction to the death of the former minister, president Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that it was with shock and sadness that he received news of the sudden and untimely death of former Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati noted that Jonathan commiserated with the Akunyili family, the government and people of Anambra State, members of the National Conference and all her loved ones, even as he prayed God in His infinite mercies to “grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of this truly distinguished citizen and patriot.

In the same vein, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan has described the former Minister of InformationProfessor Dora Akunyili, as a “titan,” who left an indelible mark with the passion and conviction with which she served the nation.
Noting that the late Akunyili’s departure was “a great loss to the nation and the womenfolk”, Mrs Jonathan said, “Words cannot adequately express the shock and deep sadness I feel on receiving this news”.
A press statement issued on behalf of the family by the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, said that Professor Akunyili, who came to national limelight as the director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), passed on at about 10am Nigerian time, in a specialist cancer hospital in India, yesterday.
Obi, who visited the late Information minister and indigene of Agulu, Anaocha local government area of Anambra State, where the former state governor also hails from, said that during his visit, Akunyili had expressed great concern over the more than 200 Chibok girls abducted since April 14 this year by the Boko Haram sect still being held hostage. He said she had urged Nigerians not to give up in their prayers for their release. Professor Akunyili, Obi further revealed, also urged Nigerians to continue to pray to God for the success of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Northern Governors mourn Akunyili
The Governor of Niger state Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu has described the death of Professor Dora Akunyili as a big blow to Nigeria in the area of intellectual competence and patriotic citizenship.
The Niger state governor described her late NAFDAC Director General as fountain ‎of knowledge, professional expertise who exuded servant leadership during er national service.
The Governor’s position was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Israel A. Ebije who described Professor Akunyili as a good example of a true Nigerian who despite her ill health was ready to offer her fountain of knowledge at the on-going National Conference.
  Dora Akunyili’s Exploits At The National Conference
The late former minister of information, Prof Dora Akunyili, who died yesterday, had a brief but eventful sojourn at the ongoing National Conference, which appears to be serially thrown into mourning since inception.
After the inauguration of the conference, Akunyili came under attack from people, who said she had no business being at the conference given her state of health.
But Akunyili responded immediately in a statement, saying the story about her ill health was baseless, unfounded and the handiwork of mischief-makers, which should be ignored and discarded in its entirety.
“As every informed Nigerian knows, I am a delegate to the National Conference currently holding in Abuja. I was duly accredited as a delegate and I am currently in attendance at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja, and venue of the conference.
“While it is true that I recently came out of a major sickness, for which I thank Almighty God for delivering me, I have since been declared fit by my doctors and returned to my normal activities. I shed much weight in the course of the sickness – which is normal – but I am well now and only need time to re-grow some flesh. There is nothing to worry about either my health or my present stature.
“I know that God has kept me alive for a purpose, this National Conference being part of that purpose. For the avoidance of doubt, I am well now, fit, strong enough and ready for this all-important National Conference and I look forward to collaborating with other delegates to chart the way for a better Nigeria,” Akunyili said.

David Mark Describes Her As An Intellectual Of International Repute
Senate President David Mark has lamented over the death of former information Minister and Director General of National Agency for food, drug administration and control ( NAFDAC) Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili , describing her as an intellectual of international repute.
Senator Mark noted that the nation has lost one of her patriotic and dedicated public officer who believed in the sanctity of unity and indivisibility of Nigeria.

Tambuwal Expresses Shock Over Dora Akunyili’s Death 
The speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has expressed shock over the news of the death of the former Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyuli who passed on yesterday at the age of 59.
Describing her  as a patriot whose tenacity and commitment to duty saved millions of Nigerians from untimely deaths due to effect of fake and substandard drugs, Tambuwal said in a statement issued by his special adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, also noted that her tenure as the director general of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will be remembered as a glorious moment for Nigeria.

CAN Condoles With Family Of Akunyili
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has commiserated with the family of Akunyili on the demise of former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and former Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, who died at the age of 59.
In a statement signed by CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who expressed shock and sadness over the death of the former minister, described the death of Prof Akunyili as a great loss not only to her family, but to the entire nation and humanity at large, given her track record in public service.