Pat Utomi: Akunyili’s death a bad omen for Anambra

Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, says the killing of Chike Akunyili, is a bad sign regarding the state of affairs in the country.

Akunyili, who was the husband of the late Dora Akunyili, ex-minister of information and communications, was killed alongside his police escort and one Aloysius, identified as his driver, on Tuesday, at Umuoji, Idemili North LGA of Anambra state.

Utomi said the manner in which Akunyili was killed shows that the security situation in the country has become a national emergency.

“I think it was a very horrible act, a very terrible thing. It is a bad omen for the state of things in Anambra and Nigeria in general,” NAN quoted Utomi as saying.

“First and foremost, Dr Akunyili was a very distinguished professional, not known for any major political, communal or any of those things that are friction-related.

“For somebody who was giving so much of his life serving society — his wife was an icon of service — to be killed in such a manner, is terrible.

“It also makes a statement about the fact that the security challenges of our time have now become a national emergency. We can’t explain it away anymore.”

The professor said the death of Akunyili may have an impact on the November governorship election in the state, adding that the attack could affect the mindset of the people.

“It means that our democracy is being threatened,” he said.

“I am really devastated by the news of his death and the manner of his death.”