Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan said in Abuja on Monday that late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu represented a worthy example of public accountability, probity, good governance and a fervent advocate of justice.
Jonathan was speaking at a special reception of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s remains held at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Jonathan, who was represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, also described the late Ikemba as an advocate of a united Nigeria.
“Let it not be said that Ojukwu died when the country needed his services most. Let it rather be said that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu lived and served with all his might when the Igbos and Nigeria needed him most.
“He stood up and fought for what he believed. He stood for justice. He refused to compromise. He challenged man’s inhumanity to man.
“Faced with the pogrom of his kith and kin, he stood his ground and fought until the last plane left Biafra.
“His bravery, courage and sacrifice live after him. Whatever perceived mistakes he made, or people think he made will for forever be interred with his bones.’’
Jonathan further noted the legacy bequeathed to the Nigerian Army by Chief Ojukwu as its first Quartermaster-General.
“He instituted systems that are now the hallmarks of military processes and procedures which till date are in use.’’
The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, described late Ojukwu as an inspirational administrator, a compassionate servant and great defender of his people.
He said Ojukwu remained one of the greatest people Nigeria had, and the best way to honour him was to maintain his principles and ideals for the betterment of the country.
In her remarks, the First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, noted that late Odumegwu-Ojukwu was not only an icon, but also the pride of his people.
She urged all Nigerians to emulate the good qualities of late Odumegwu-Ojukwu whom she described as an accomplished Nigerian Leader.
She stated that the best Nigerians could do to immortalise the late Ikemba, was to ensure that his legacies lived on.
“May I remind all of us living today, that the best we can give to the dead is to ensure that his legacies live on.
“I urge the Igbo race to remain firm in their roles as bridge builders and peace makers. Let us continue to pursue peace with all men and be our brothers’ keeper.’’
Jonathan enjoined Nigerians to always be patient and tolerant, as no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of social unrest.
“I call on you all today to form the vanguard of a new world, built on love and patriotism, always leading the advocacy for peaceful resolution of our differences.’’
In his keynote address, one-time Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, said the life and time of late Ikemba Nnewi would forever remain a major essence of the Nigerian history.
He said the impact and contributions of Ojukwu’s philosophy would remain a guidance and direction to the country and to Africa.
The event witnessed goodwill messages from the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Muhammed and the Eze Igbo, FCT, Abuja, Dr. Sir Nwosu Ibe.
The occasion also witnessed a military funeral parade and a brief church service, led by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Onaiyekan.
Present at the occasion were Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca Onoh, governor of Anambra, Dr. Peter Obi, members of the Federal Executive Council, military top brass and other top serving and retired dignitaries. (NAN)
Jonathan was speaking at a special reception of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s remains held at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Ojukwu's body
“Let it not be said that Ojukwu died when the country needed his services most. Let it rather be said that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu lived and served with all his might when the Igbos and Nigeria needed him most.
“He stood up and fought for what he believed. He stood for justice. He refused to compromise. He challenged man’s inhumanity to man.
“Faced with the pogrom of his kith and kin, he stood his ground and fought until the last plane left Biafra.
“His bravery, courage and sacrifice live after him. Whatever perceived mistakes he made, or people think he made will for forever be interred with his bones.’’
Jonathan further noted the legacy bequeathed to the Nigerian Army by Chief Ojukwu as its first Quartermaster-General.
“He instituted systems that are now the hallmarks of military processes and procedures which till date are in use.’’
The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, described late Ojukwu as an inspirational administrator, a compassionate servant and great defender of his people.
He said Ojukwu remained one of the greatest people Nigeria had, and the best way to honour him was to maintain his principles and ideals for the betterment of the country.
In her remarks, the First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, noted that late Odumegwu-Ojukwu was not only an icon, but also the pride of his people.
She urged all Nigerians to emulate the good qualities of late Odumegwu-Ojukwu whom she described as an accomplished Nigerian Leader.
She stated that the best Nigerians could do to immortalise the late Ikemba, was to ensure that his legacies lived on.
“May I remind all of us living today, that the best we can give to the dead is to ensure that his legacies live on.
“I urge the Igbo race to remain firm in their roles as bridge builders and peace makers. Let us continue to pursue peace with all men and be our brothers’ keeper.’’
Jonathan enjoined Nigerians to always be patient and tolerant, as no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of social unrest.
“I call on you all today to form the vanguard of a new world, built on love and patriotism, always leading the advocacy for peaceful resolution of our differences.’’
In his keynote address, one-time Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, said the life and time of late Ikemba Nnewi would forever remain a major essence of the Nigerian history.
He said the impact and contributions of Ojukwu’s philosophy would remain a guidance and direction to the country and to Africa.
The event witnessed goodwill messages from the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Muhammed and the Eze Igbo, FCT, Abuja, Dr. Sir Nwosu Ibe.
The occasion also witnessed a military funeral parade and a brief church service, led by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Onaiyekan.
Present at the occasion were Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca Onoh, governor of Anambra, Dr. Peter Obi, members of the Federal Executive Council, military top brass and other top serving and retired dignitaries. (NAN)
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/02/president-jonathan-eulogies-ojukwu-as-his-remains-arrive-in-nigeria/