Chief Emeka Anyaoku has described the death of  Chief M. T. Mbu as a huge loss to the country. He said: “MT, as he was fondly known to friends and associates, was the child prodigy of Nigerian politics in the era of healthy and relatively corruption-free politicking in the country, having been appointed as Federal Minister at the age of 23.

“He belonged to the class of Nigeria’s nation builders having served as member of the Federal delegation to the United Kingdom to negotiate the country’s independence constitution and as Minister in the governments that proceeded, and immediately after, Nigeria’s independence in October 1960.

“Mbu was a foremost Nigerian diplomat having served as Ambassador/Head-of-Mission in the country’s three key diplomatic posts in the UK, USA and Germany long before becoming Secretary (Minister) for Foreign Affairs in the Interim National Government that followed the annulment of 1993 Presidential elections.

“As an individual, Mbu was a living embodiment of the famous Winchester college motto: Manners Maketh Man. Ever so courteous and ever so mindful of others in his official career and private life, Mbu exemplified the true meaning of public service.

“His passing represents a significant depletion of the diminishing number of Nigeria’s genuine senior patriots and role models.”

Northern Governors Forum Mourns Mbu, Aluko

The Northern Governors Forum, NGF, has described the deaths of elder statesmen, former Nigerian envoy to the United Kingdom, UK, and First Republic Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Matthew Mbu; and renowned economist, Professor Sam Aluko, as great losses to the nation, saying they will be missed for their wealth of wisdom and the love for Nigeria.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, said, Tuesday in Minna that though the duo died in their 80s, their passage came as a blow to the nation.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, Governor Aliyu said: “Coming at a time when the guidance and advice of our great leaders are needed to help steer the ship of state, the deaths of Ambassador Mbu and Professor Aluko are a big blow.”

The forum, however, said it is comforted that the great values the deceased left behind will serve as guiding light not only to their former colleagues in foreign service and in the academia, but to the entire nation.

Governor Aliyu described late Mbu and Aluko as patriotic Nigerians who contributed immensely to the economic and political development of the country.

Aliyu said the lessons to be learnt from their lives and deaths are for all Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of hard work, honesty, selflessness and the fear of God.

He prayed God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed, and to provide succour to the bereaved family members.