Michael Chukelu Kafu Ajuluchukwu; Journalist and politician. Ajachukwu played a significant role in Nigeria’s quest for independence. Ajuluchukwu was born February 10, 1921. After attending CMS Central School, Nnewi and Higher College, Yaba, he dabbled into journalism, where he rose to the post of assistant editor of Daily Comet. He later went in search of the golden fleece abroad, studying at the Bethune-Cookamn College, Daytona Beach, Florida, USA, 1947-49, after which he came back to Nigeria to become the editor of Nnamdi Azikiwe owned West African Pilot 1951-53.
Ajuluchukwu ventured into active politics when he became the founder and first secretary of the Zikist Movement as well as the assistant Secretary, National Council of Nigeria Citizens, NCNC, 1947-50 and director of research and publicity, Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, 1979-83. Although Ajachukwu, an eminent member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural group and member of The Patriots, had long quit partisan politics, he commented on affairs of his country publicly. To him, a total restructuring of the polity is the only way out of the woods Nigeria has found itself. In spite of his fame, exposure and position in the society, Ajuluchukwu lived a quiet life. Throughout his lifetime, he shunned profligacy and self-aggrandisement. He died in 2003 a modest man who had access to both power and money but used them moderately 1 .
1. TELL October 27, 2003
