The death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Eze Ndigbo Gburugburu, has been described as a colossal loss to the nation.
This was the view of HRH Eze Okoh Ogbuja Kalu, Eze Udo Ndigbo of Eneka Zone of Rivers State in a chat with newsmen in his palace.
According to the royal father “Ojukwu was an international figure, loved and cherished even by his enemies, due to his intellectual ability and honest stand on national issues.
He said the Ojukwu he knew was an advocate of transparency, good governance and fairness, adding that the vacuum created by his demise would be hard to fill because of his own unique way of doing things.
Eze Kalu recalled how Gen. Ojukwu (rtd) left the comfort of his rich background to fight for the down trodden in the society which led him to self exile for years at a point.
He also recalled how “Ikemba Nnewi” ran down to Port Harcourt to warn against the danger of the “abandoned properly policy” of the Rivers State government.
Eze Udo Ndigbo prayed for the repose of Ojukwu’s soul and fortitude to the families and Ndigbo in general to bear the irreparable loss. He equally prayed for God to give the Igbos the courage to continue where the Biafran war Lord ended through a dependable Joshua.
He made it known that Ndigbo and indeed Nigerian will do all within their power to give Ojukwu a befitting burial of international repute, because according to him he deserves nothing less for his sacrifices.
On the insurgence of the Boko Haram Islamic sect, the royal father said their activities is condemnable by all well meaning Nigerians, but that God will defeat them eventually. He described the insurgence as a calculated attempt by those he call unscrupulous elements to discredit and derail the sitting president as a southerner.
On whether the insecurity threat will not affect the unity and stability of the country, Eze Udo Ndigbo, declared, “it will not.”
“Nigerians have witnessed and survived bigger crisis, but I assure you that we shall come out strong and a more united nation,” he added.
He used the opportunity to advise Nigerians and indeed the Igbos home and in despora to be their brothers’ keeper at all times. Eze Udo enumerated some of his own little contributions to justify the confidence reposed in him by his people, urging other Igbo leaders to identify with their people at all times.
On the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, Eze Kalu said it was in order as the subsidy was actually benefiting a few cabals in government instead of the masses. While calling for prayers and support for president Jonathan’s administration, he advised the FG not only to ensure that the palliative measures get to the beneficiaries, but that the refineries should be made functional and the importation of fuel stopped. ####
Joe Kalu
