GEJ went to mourn Dora Akinyili, but he still managed to attack hostile governors (READ)

by S’ola Filani

While paying his tribute at the requiem mass for the former Minister of Information, Dr. Dora Akunyili, at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Area 3, Garki, Abuja,  yesterday, President Jonathan  who recalled his first encounter with the late former minister of information, as a deputy governor of Bayelsa State, “‎at a time we appreciated and encouraged those working at the centre, unlike today that media aides to governors abuse the president,” said Akunyili  “went into NAFDAC and changed the story of NAFDAC‎ and now everybody knows about NAFDAC.”

He said that time, public officials in the states held Federal Government officials in high esteem unlike now when spokesmen of state governors will be abusing the President.
President Goodluck Jonathan, also challenged public office holders to strive to be recognized by the quality of service they rendered while in office rather than the position they held.

While describing the late former Information Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili, as a patriotic Nigerian who had no rivalry in service, Jonathan said NAFDAC was relatively unknown to many, until when Akunyili took over the leadership of the agency.

“Dora was more known as DG NAFDAC more than when she served as a minister. Most Nigerians knew Dora because of her service. So most of the offices we look for, anybody who has opportunity to serve we should all serve because what will endear you to people is not necessarily the office you hold but the service you render.

“As a minister, Dora was good. We were very happy to work with her. She was diligent, intelligent, very forthright, and extremely patriotic and above all she was extremely brave and could say anything right or wrong and did not care whose ox is gored. That was Dora for you.

“She sought to protect the lives of Nigerians as DG of NAFDAC and never compromised‎ as regards those who traffic fake drugs.

“One thing that endeared her to me is that, probably I’m one president that has worked with so many women. At times you noticed rivalry amongst women but with her you, never noticed any rivalry.

He also urged the deceased’s children to be happy because their late mother’s works had given them an identity that silver and gold could not give.

He said, “To my children, your mother was a very dynamic woman because her works and identity have given you what silver and gold cannot give you.

“Yes, it might not translate to monetary rewards, but many will respect and want to assist you as her children because of her.

“We pray that those of us serving now, whether President, Vice President, or others, when we die, people will respect our children because of our deeds like Dora. So you have to thank God for that.”

In conclusion, he said “Dora was a role model, her dressing represented the Nigerian woman, her love, character, she is a lady that will hardly leave our memory. She was one of the few Nigeria‎ns that has made the whole country proud. I condole you all,” he said.

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