Lagos – The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Sunday paid tribute to Prof. Chinua Achebe, describing him as a global icon of all time.
The literary icon, Achebe, died on March 21, in the U.S.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, ACN said that the late Achebe was an outstanding Nigerian brand.
The party described Achebe’s death as a monumental loss not only to Nigeria but to the entire world, judging by the tributes that had been pouring in from around the world since his demise.
It said that apart from his achievements in the literary field and his scholarly excellence, Achebe was a nationalist, not minding the controversy generated by his last book, “There was a Country.’’
“Achebe’s nationalist and democratic credentials were unassailable. He loved Nigeria with a passion and used the platform offered by his global exposure to call attention, time and again, to the years of misrule in his homeland.
“In one of his most poignant acts, he twice turned down the national honours bestowed on him by the Federal Government to show his disapproval for the anti-democratic antics in the nation,’’ ACN said.
The party said that with his outstanding works of literature, especially his all-time great novel, `Things Fall Apart’, Achebe was and remains even in death, undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s best brands.
ACN said, “The lesson that Nigerians should learn from Achebe is that one can excel doing whatever he does best and in spite of any disability that may come one’s way in life. ‘’
According to the statement, Achebe stucked to his calling all through his life, and yet achieved a global acclaim.
“Even after he was involved in a road crash, his voice rang out loud and clear to the world, on behalf of the poor, the deprived and the oppressed in his homeland,” the party said.
ACN, however, stated that the best tribute that could be paid to Achebe was not just in naming monuments after him or tarring the road that passed through his hometown.
“He can best be honoured and remembered by those who hold power using it for the common good of the greatest number of people.
“Achebe should also be remembered by making Nigeria a country that every black man on earth will be proud of. There can be no greater honour’’, the statement added.
Source: Vanguard
