Sanwo-Olu, Uzodimma, others mourn Lagos ex-military leader Kanu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Imo counterpart, Hope Uzodimma, former president of Aka Ikenga, Chief Goddy Uwazurike and president, Women Arise and Centre for Change, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, have expressed sadness over the death of one-time Military Administrator of Lagos and chairman of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Rear Admiral Kanu (rtd).

Kanu, who was also military governor of Imo State between 1976 and 1977, died yesterday morning in a Lagos hospital at 77 years after a brief illness.

Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the deceased as a complete gentleman and officer, noting that he contributed immensely to the development of Lagos during his short stay.

The governor appreciated Kanu’s contribution to the nation’s democracy, especially his agitation for civil rule in Nigeria during the dark days of the military.

He said the nation would miss the rich experience and knowledge of the late naval officer and democrat.

Sanwo-Olu reminded Lagosians that the best way to immortalise the departed was to deepen good governance, which he fought for throughout his lifetime.

In a statement, Uzodimma said Kanu was one of Nigeria’s finest and brightest, who devoted his energy for the good of the country.

He added that the deceased got to the pinnacle of his profession by dint of hard work and remained committed to the discipline in the armed forces till his passage.

The Imo chief executive recalled that the late Abia indigene also joined forces with pro-democracy activists around the world to preach for a better society anchored on rule of law, regretting that he left at a time his services were needed most.

To Uwazurike, the NADECO ex-chair was an enigma. “He had a soft voice. Yet he became a commander. Physically he didn’t look like a military man. What he lacked in physique, he gained in his brainpower,” the Igbo leader eulogised.

According to Okei-Odumakin, the erstwhile governor gave his all to the anti-military struggle experienced in one of the darkest moments of Nigeria’s history.

She observed in a statement that Kanu was at the forefront of the struggle for the restructuring of the country for accountability and probity.