Ojukwu’s burial, a collective decision -Gov Obi •As IBB, Buhari, others pay tribute

Posted by admin Latest Politics Sunday, November 27th, 2011

GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State has appealed to those seeking to know the details of ex-Biafran leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s burial

to be patient as, according to him, “it will be a collective decision in consultation with various stakeholders, with his immediate family taking the lead.”

He said this in reaction to numerous calls from people volunteering to serve on Ojukwu’s burial committee.

Governor Obi, who came back from France via London on Saturday, but had to travel back to London the same day with Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu Jnr on hearing the news of Ojukwu’s death, said that Ojukwu deserved the best in view of his sacrifices and that Igbos and Nigerians of goodwill were determined to give him the best.

Sources close to the governor said that he might arrive in the country tomorrow morning to officially inform the President Goodluck Jonathan of Ojukwu’s death.

Investigations revealed that his remains had since been deposited in a mortuary through the combined effort of Mrs Bianca Ojukwu and Governor Obi’s wife, Margaret, whom Bianca phoned immediately Ojukwu’s condition became critical, before the governor and others arrived in London.

Meanwhile, Ojukwu’s son, Emeka, has thanked Nigerians for the wonderful solidarity and love shown to his father even in death.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extolled the virtues of the deceased national leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, who passed away on Saturday, saying that he helped to shape the history of Nigeria.

A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali, in Abuja, on Sunday, expressed PDP’s deep sorrow and utter regret over the passing of Ojukwu.

According to the statement issued on behalf of the acting national chairman of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, “Ikemba Nnewi was in every way a lead character, whose roles in the premiere chapters of independent Nigeria significantly shaped the history and the course of our nationhood.

“He was bold, courageous, stern, disciplined and possessed an indomitable spirit, which he deployed in the service of his people.”

On behalf of the National Working Commitee (NWC) and the entire members of the PDP, Baraje commiserated with the government and people of Anambra State, people of the South-East, members of the Ojukwu family and all Nigerians over the loss of “one of the most colourful citizens of our dear country.”

The PDP added that “Nigeria will no doubt miss his doggedness and his great lessons in uncommon service to the people “and prayed that the Almighty God will grant his vibrant soul eternal rest.”

In another development, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has described the death of Ojukwu as a huge loss to the nation.

Anyim also described the late Ojukwu as a man of rare courage that would be greatly missed.

Anyim, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Mr Sam Nwaobasi, on Sunday, said he received with a deep sense of loss the sad news of the passing away of Ojukwu.

The SGF said he was praying and looking forward to receiving the good news that Ojukwu had recovered fully and would soon return home to the warm embrace of his family, Ndigbo and indeed all to whom he meant a lot, but the news of his demise shattered that expectation.

“Dim Odumegwu Oju-kwu was a man of rare courage and wisdom who inspired confidence in all who encountered him,” he said.

Senator Anyim added that “Ojukwu loved Ndigbo with all his heart and was ready at all times to do anything within his powers to contribute to the development of Igboland and our dear country.

“Ndigbo will miss him very dearly. His death really is one loss we all will need the grace of God to bear.”

He encouraged his wife, children, Ndigbo and all his friends and associates to take solace in his outstanding accomplishments, while he prayed that God would give the bereaved the fortitude to bear the loss.wp_posts