By Austin Ogwuda
“Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu is still alive as his legacy transcends time Ojukwu is still alive because his philosophy lives after him. He fought for the unity of this country but the Igbo man is yet to be appreciated for the role he played”.
These were thought-provoking words of a renowned academic, Prof Protus Uzoma.
He spoke at the 12 edition of the Ojukwu Memorial Day Celebration held in Owerri, Imo State capital, South East region, Nigeria, as a Guest Speaker.
According to him “the legacy Ojukwu left behind transcends time, every Igbo must learn the language of peace, unity and love.
“The principle of federal character must be maintained. The time has come for us to sit up, how many of our leaders can come together and say Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu must be celebrated”, the Prof asked.
On her part, the wife, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu said that “This year’s memorial is a tribute edition dedicated to His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. He kept a tab, calling when he was sick until God’s wish happened.
“Jonathan is not an Igbo but Ijaw, yet he ensured there were 28 funeral events in 28 states of Nigeria and 80 funeral Services in 80 countries of the world. He and his wife followed my husband until he was laid to rest in Nnewi.
“For President Jonathan, I would say that every civilization will ultimately be measured by the discharge of its debt of decorum to the departed; for in death is man at his most vulnerable state; Its noblest parting gift remains nothing other than Dignity.
“Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Igbo nation remains indebted to you. That you were able to accord this unprecedented honour and care to our icon and our hero, regardless of tribe or creed, under a leadership uncontaminated by the prejudices of the past, speaks volumes of your mettle.
“Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu indeed was blessed to encounter a brother across the Niger at that bridge between life and death, and of a truth, you bestowed, not only upon him but upon the entire Igbo Nation, that parting gift of dignity at their icon’s most vulnerable moments. Your soothing balm spread across the grief of a people”, she added in emotional tone.
