President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness at the death of the renowned writer, Prof. Chinua Achebe, who passed away on Thursday night in United States.<\/p>\n
The president in a statement signed by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the country will miss the deceased frank, truthful and fearless interventions in national affairs.<\/p>\n
The statement reads:<\/p>\n
\u201cPresident Goodluck Jonathan has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of Nigeria\u2019s globally acclaimed writer, scholar, tutor, cultural icon, nationalist and artist of the very first rank, Prof. Chinua Achebe.<\/p>\n
\u201cPresident Jonathan joined Prof. Achebe\u2019s family, his friends, colleagues, past and present students, admirers and all who have learnt indelible lessons of human existence from his award winning works of literature in mourning the legendary author.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs he mourns however, the president is consoled by the knowledge that Prof. Achebe will live forever in the hearts and minds of present and future generations through his great works which brought him enduring international fame and countless honours.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe president believes that Prof. Achebe\u2019s frank, truthful and fearless interventions in national affairs will be greatly missed at home in Nigeria because while others may have disagreed with his views, most Nigerians never doubted his immense patriotism and sincere commitment to the building of a greater, more united and prosperous nation that all Africans and the entire black race could be proud of.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe recalled that with maturity and global stature, Prof. Achebe fearlessly spoke the truth as he saw it and became, as he advanced in age, a much revered national icon and conscience of the nation who will be eternally honoured for his contributions to national discourse as well as the immense fame and glory he brought to his fatherland.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of himself, his family, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Prof. Achebe\u2019s family.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Nation<\/p>\n