Igbo Community, Bonny chapter, has gathered in a sad mood to mark the burial of Chief Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu.
Speaking to our reporter in Bonny, the president of Igbo community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers state, Dr. Godwin Ogbonna said the death of Chief Ojukwu is a great loss to the entire Igbos and Nigerian nation at large.
Dr. Ogbonna noted that the value of the war lord, Ojukwu, will still remain in the memory of some notable Nigerians that knew his worth, adding that death is inevitable to mankind and that Nigerians needed to utilised his wealth of experience.
He said Ojukwu was unforgettable hero both at home and abroad, because his positive contributions put in place in our dear country, Nigeria.
The President appealed to all Igbos in Bonny, the good people of Bonny Kingdom and other ethnic groups in the area to join the Igbos to celebrate the burial ceremony of their great father Ojukwu.
He assured that all the Igbos in the area are prepared to be part of the burial ceremony as scheduled by the family and the nation.
Dr. Godwin appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to be vigilante during the burial of Chief Ojukwu to avoid some persons who may want to disrupt the occasion for their selfish interest.
He charged the Igbos to be law abiding in Bonny during and after the celebration.
The Igbo Community president used the medium to commend the Amayanabo-in-Council, King Edward Asimini Williams Dappa Pepple, the Bonny Chiefs Council and the entire good people of Bonny for the harmony they enjoyed.
He extend his good will message to the led-chairman of the Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr) Edward E. Pepple over his successful re-election as Executive Chairman, Bonny LGA for second term. He charged the council boss to carry everybody along in the scheme of things and see the electorate as useful instruments to the society.
In his remarks, the Secretary, Mr. Tony Ozoemere, said that arrangements have already been put in place for successful burial.
The secretary confirmed that letters have been sent to all authorities in the area to ensure effective and peaceful performance, adding that all are invited to celebrate the burial of Chief Ojukwu with them in Bonny.
By David Christopher Hart
