Dora Akunyili Is Dead

Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State has confirmed the death of Professor Dora Akunyili.

In a statement he personally signed and released on Saturday, Obi said, “On behalf of the Akunyili’s family, I wish to officially confirm the death of Prof. Mrs Dora Akunyili in a Specialist Cancer Hospital in Indian this morning at 10 am, Nigerian Time, after a two-year battle with cancer.

“In spite her illness, she was unwavering in her belief in a better Nigeria. That was why she defied her condition and was part of Anambra State Handover Committee and the National Conference.

“The last time I visited her in India, even when she needed all the prayers herself, she was full of concern for Chibok girls, security and other challenges facing the country and told me that she remained prayerful for the release of those girls and for God to help President Goodluck Jonathan to overcome all the challenges facing the Nation. She therefore urged all Nigerians to remain prayerful and committed to building a better society for our children. We all prayed together and I promised to be visiting her every month.

“We thank all those who remain fervent in prayers for her recovery and urge them to remain prayerful for the peaceful repose of her soul.”

Akunyili and Obi both belonged to the same party — the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) — on which platform she unsuccessfully sought to be senator in 2011.

Akunyili died early Saturday morning — a month to her 60th birthday.