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Amb. MbuAmbassador Mbu, Matthew Tawo, lawyer, politician and diplomat is dead.
A statement by veteran photojournalist, Sunmi Smart-Cole on behalf of the family on Monday announced the passing of their patriarch in London at the age of 82.
A statement by veteran photojournalist, Sunmi Smart-Cole on behalf of the family on Monday announced the passing of their patriarch in London at the age of 82.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Chief Mbu was born on November 20, 1929, in Okundi, Cross River State. He received his early education at Okundi Primary School from 1937 to 1940.
He also attended the Kakwagon Seminary School between 1941and 1943 before proceeding to Middle Temple and University College, London, from 1955 to 1959 where he received the LLB and the LLM. Chief Mbu was subsequently called to the Bar, Middle Temple.
Chief M.T. Mbu’s political career began with his membership of Parliament from 1952 to 1955. He has also served his country in various capacities including:
•Federal Minister of Labour, 1954
•High Commissioner to UK, 1955 to 1959
•Representative of Nigeria, Washington DC. 1966.
He holds the distinction of being the youngest Nigerian ever to serve in the federal cabinet. Between 1960 and 1966, Chief Mbu returned to serve again in Parliament. During the latter stint in Parliament, he also doubled as Federal Minister of Defense for Naval Affairs.
•High Commissioner to UK, 1955 to 1959
•Representative of Nigeria, Washington DC. 1966.
He holds the distinction of being the youngest Nigerian ever to serve in the federal cabinet. Between 1960 and 1966, Chief Mbu returned to serve again in Parliament. During the latter stint in Parliament, he also doubled as Federal Minister of Defense for Naval Affairs.
He was appointed Chairman, Eastern Nigeria Public Service Commission in 1967, and became Member Constituent Assembly, 1977- 78. He was first national vice-chairman, Nigeria People’s Party, 1979 to 1981 before ‘decamping’ to the National Party of Nigeria from 1981 to 1983.
On several occasions, Chief Mbu has represented his Nation as an ambassador to foreign countries including a recent appointment as Ambassador to Germany. He has also served as the Pro-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Ambassador Mbu is married to Katherine Anigbo and blessed with six children.
Chief Mbu was also leader of the South-South Peoples Assembly, (SSPA); a non-political organization that was created to help promote the interests of the peoples of South-South geo-political zone.
SOURCE: The Nation, 6 February 2012. http://www.thenationonlineng.net
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