Fides Media Living the Faith
By Jude Atupulazi
The Anambra State Government has concluded elaborate plans to give a state burial for former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, who passed away on April 11, 2023. He was aged 78.
Mbadinuju was governor of the state between May 29, 1999 and May 29, 2003.
He was elected on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and was sworn in as Anambra State Governor at the return of civil rule on May 29, 1999. The highlight of his regime was his arrest of insecurity ravaging the state at that time by establishing the famous but unconventional security outfit known as Bakassi Boys under which violent criminality vanished from the state.
According to the programme released by the Anambra State Government as part of the state funeral, on November 22, the Anambra State Government will receive the body at the Government House Courtyard by 3pm for Lying-in-State.
On November 23, the state government will hold a Commendation Service and Thanksgiving Ceremony at the International Convention Centre, Awka by 11am. His former political associates, colleagues and friends will have the opportunity to pay their last respects to him in the state capital where he once held sway as the Governor of Anambra State.
His Family will later, on the same day, hold the wake, praise/worship and tribute sessions in his honour in Uli, his home town, in Ihiala LGA.
On November 24 the Anambra State Government and the family will hold an Interdenominational Burial Service in his Uli country home by 10am, while interment will follow immediately. The reception and refreshments for guests will subsequently commence.
On November25, condolence visits will continue as organized by his family.
On November 26, Outing Service and condolence visits will be undertaken as planned by his family.
Former Governor Mbadinuju, according to a press statement signed by Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government, and dated
September 16, 2023, served Anambra State to the best of his ability.
‘While we bid him farewell, it is only fitting to re-echo his slogan: “It Shall Be Well With Anambra State!”. May his Soul rest in Peace,’ the statement concluded.