As Head of State of the Republic of Biafra,
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu Inspects
Biafran Troops in 1968
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President Goodluck Jonathan Pays Tribute In Abuja on Febraury 28, 2012
After describing the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as as an advocate of a united Nigeria whose exceptional qualities no words can adequately capture, he said that “the legacy [Ojukwu] bequeathed to the Nigerian Army and the innovations he instituted ... are now the hallmark of military processes and procedures”.
•Nigerian Soldiers Bearing Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s
Body during a Special Military Ceremony in Abuja on February 28, 2012,
Shortly after His Body Arrived from London
...And Then President Jonathan Dropped The Winner... Hear Him:
“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 Igbo and Nigerians 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 sacrifices live after him. Whatever perceived mistakes he made, or people think he made, will for forever be interred with his bones.”
The Ikemba Himself
President Goodluck Jonathan spoke through the Vice-President, Mr. Namadi Sambo. The ceremony took place at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and was witnessed by several public officers that included Senate President David Mark, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Pius Anyim, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and several others.
In her own tribute, wife of the president, Mrs. Patience Jonathan who also attended the ceremony said:
“Here lies the remains of a great man, recorded in history for his humility, simplicity, decency and superior intellect, Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The Ikemba will always command a place of pride in the records of our country, as one who sacrificed his comfort and privileges to identify with the poor and the voiceless. For him, his liberty and privileges were without values, if his folks remained in chains. For him, selective liberty was unacceptable.
He was a true patriot, committed to the defence of the dignity of man ... The best that can be given to the dead is to ensure that his legacies live on. Let us continue to pursue peace with all men and be our brothers’ keepers. We must continue to be patient and tolerant, as no meaningful development can take place without peace and security of lives and property. I call on you today to form a vanguard of a new world, build on love and patriotism, always leading the advocacy for peaceful resolution of our differences. This is the surest way to immortalize this uncommon Nigerian, and dignify his memory.”
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