Nnamani, Anyim, Amaechi, Kalu, others mourn Jonathan’s ex-adviser

Prominent politicians and other notable Nigerians in the country on Wednesday convened at the Yar’adua Centre in Abuja where they poured out tribute for the late Arch. Ferdinand Nwabueze Agu, who served as special adviser in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Agu, a former Director-General of the National Maritime Authority (NMA) now Nigeria Maritime Safety Administration (NIMASA) died last week on account of ill health at the age of 64.

Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim was chairman of the “Night of Tribute” at Yar’adua Centre.

The “Night of Tributes” was attended by a former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu; former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; former minister of aviation, Osita Chidoka and former minister of information, Frank Nweke (Jr).

Also, a former Minister of Women Affairs, Pallen Tallen and former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, were also in attendance.

Others were the Director Department of State Service (DSS), Peter Afunnaya and the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, among others.

Senator Anyim said, “Your presence here certainly shows your commitment and loyalty to friendship, which was the hallmark of Ferdinand’s life.

“I have known him for over 20 years, he was deep and thoughtful and yet humble. He was brilliant and ebullient and yet honest and straight. He was loyal and committed to every relationship he found himself in and yet a man of his own convictions. That was the Ferdinand I knew for over 20 years.”

In his remarks, Nnamani said, “If you turn around and see the galaxy of individuals here, it will give you a little bit of solace. If you also take a closer look at the qualities of individuals who have attended this occasion, it goes to confirm what some of us know about Ferdinand.”

Kalu said, “Arc. Ferdinand Agu was more than a public servant; he was a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for many. As the former Director General of the National Maritime Authority, now NIMASA, and as a Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, he served Nigeria with distinction and honour.

“His contributions to our nation’s maritime sector were not just professional achievements but acts of patriotism and service to the greater good.”

Similarly, Chidoka who spoke during the session said, “Ferdinand Agu was a human being.”