NADECO Chieftain, Ndubuisi Kanu is dead
By Kunle Ojo
Chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition, (NADECO) Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu has died. Kanu died this morning after a brief illness.
Irohinoodua could not confirm reports that he died of complications arising from COVID-19.
Kanu who was a leader in the defunct National Democratic Coalition, (NADECO) has been in the forefront of the campaign for restructuring in Nigeria.
He had a flourishing civil and military career. He was appointed military governor Imo State in March 1976 during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasnajo. He was the first governor after the decree that established the state from part of the old East Central State. He was transferred to become governor of Lagos State in 1977, leaving office in July 1978.
Ndubuisi Kanu was born I Abia State in 1943 of Igbo origin. Joining the navy, he went to India for cadet training. His naval career included positions in Personnel, Logistics and Training. He obtained honorary Doctorate Degrees from the Imo State University and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
In July 1975 as a lieutenant commander he was appointed a member of Murtala Muhammed’s ruling Cabinet, the Supreme Military Council.
Appointed governor of Imo State in March 1976, he brought in town planners to prepare a plan for Owerri.
Kanu built roads in Owerri metropolis, expanded that number of Local Government Areas to 21 and founded the Imo Broadcasting Service, which went on air in December 1976
He later became Rear Admiral and Naval chief.[