The ranks of Nigeria’s celebrated democrats took a hit on January 13 with the demise of Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd.) The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain died after a month of battling with an aliment until he finally succumbed to COVID-19.
Until his demise, he was married to Gladys Ndubuisi-Kanu and was blessed with 10 children. Whilst Lagos State governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on the condolence register, wished him a peaceful rest, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye described him as a dedicated patriot in whose house they used to meet to press for restoration of democracy. Dr. Fred Agbeyegbe, stated, “For some 50 years now, we did everything together, why did you have to do this alone, you cheated, it is wicked to have me behind. Adieu my twin brother. Rest in peace.” Dr. Godswill Ihetu on his part stated, “Ndigbo has lost an icon. Personally, I have lost a good friend and brother.”
Dr. Bala Yesufu described Kanu’s demise as shocking, devastating as Tessy Irabor described the deceased as a soft-spoken man. Jonathan Bamidele Osin, a member of the Methodist Church stated, “you were a real soldier of Christ, a man of courage, faith and a bold man.”
While speaking about her late husband, Gladys said; “NADECO came to this house in 1994 where they had meetings, and eventually, democracy was restored in Nigeria. He’s a detribalised Nigerian. Since he passed on, I have received messages from the President, past presidents, governors from different parts of Nigeria, consoling the family. In the Navy where he served, (he went to War College and National Defence Academy in India) he was described as one of the most intelligent.
He was made the chairman of several committees set up in the military during his time in service, and at the age of 30, he was a member of the Supreme Military Council. He repaired almost all appliances himself, cleaned his room, ironed his clothes and found it easy doing many things by himself.”
