THE Senate, on Thursday, opposed a proposal for state burial for the late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, arguing that the former  Biafran leader did not fall in the category of those who should be so honoured.

They, however, advised the South-East governors to come together and give him a befitting burial.

While paying glowing tribute to the former Biafran warlord, the Senate urged the Federal Government to immortalise him by naming a prominent establishment after him.

It also observed a minute silence in his honour and agreed to send a delegation to commiserate with his family, the people and government of Anambra State.

A motion moved by Senator Andy Uba and 50 others had noted that Ojukwu was  a source of pride for those who had the opportunity to know him, as he stood tall against elements of injustice, segregation and oppression.

He disclosed that after Biafra,“his efforts helped to lay the foundation for national integration, equality and equity, championing Nigeria as one indivisible unit true to the words in our National Anthem.”

According to him, “Ojukwu seceded South-Eastern Nigeria from the rest of the country  and proclaimed the area a sovereign state with the name Republic of Biafra, on January 9, 1970” before running away from Nigeria.

Uba informed that he was granted  a full state pardon by the Shehu Shagari civilian administration and returned to the country in 1982, noting that “as an astute politician, he joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was a member of the 1995 Constitutional Conference that midwived the fourth republic.”

Thereafter, members in turn eulogised him.  Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who worked with him closely, described his death as the end of an era and the beginning of another one, adding that Ojukwu as a soldier was courageous and fearless.

According to him, he was  a soldier who later became a democrat, fearless, a great man, patriotic, loved by his people. “Definitely, Lagos would miss him and Nigeria would equally miss him.”

Senator Abdul Ningi, in his contribution, said Ojukwu was brought up with silver spoon but decided on his own to associate with the underprivileged and  through that he had committed suicide on his own.

He said when “he came back from Cote d’ Ivoire, he informed  that he would still fight again, but for the unity of Nigeria. He died a nationalist and as an Igbo leader.”

Senator Smart Adeyemi described him as a courageous and intelligent person with strong strength of character, narrating that “when we were young in the village, anytime we heard about Ojukwu, we thought he was a spirit, because of his courage and intelligence. He was destined to sacrifice for the greatness of the country.”

The Senate president, Mr David Mark, after the debate, described him as a great Nigerian, noting that when he joined the Nigerian Army, “it was only great patriots that could join and they were very few in view of his educational attainment and very few of them are alive today.”

According to him, “when you have a nationalist with radical and revolutionary idea, then Nigerians should see his positive side rather than the other side. You cannot mention Ojukwu without mentioning  Gowon, Adebayo and Hassan Katsina.

“People who worked with him learnt  a lot from him and some of the disagreement was based on his principle. History would be kind to him,” he said.

Comments (18)

Show/hide comments

...
written by chima, December 01, 2011

who wil b lik my brother ojukwu..

• 
• +2
• 
• 

Ojukwu was a Rebel (Leader)
written by Jide Ajanaku, December 01, 2011

Finally, the Senate found a way to say it that, great as Ojukwu may be in death, he was nonetheless a rebel leader who decided to dismember the country for a personal ego. Rest in peace, Dim!

• 
• -1
• 
• 

What does it take to get a state burial?
written by Zanny, December 02, 2011

Ojukwu was a symbol of unity. He showed courage when it was needed the most. He was a role model and never betrayed his people. He was steadfast and against corruption and abuse of power and privileges. Nigerians and eulogizing him and praising the sacrifices he made for both Biafra and Nigeria. Yet, the senate does not see him fit for a state burial. I wonder who will get. Perhaps, the looters in our government who care only for themselves. I wouldn't be surprised. Just the same way they distribute national awards to themselves. Ojukwu does not need recognition from a corrupt Senate. Already, the people he cared of - the common people - are praying for his departed soul. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

...
written by Musediq, December 02, 2011

If he doesn't deserve a state burial, why urging the federal government to name a federal establishment after him? What a double talk! Ojukwu in death deserves a state burial, simple and period. He fought a war of conscience, even if he made some mistakes, he swallowed his pride, came back to the country, and worked for the progress of the united country unlike many of the rouge politicians in Nigeria of today

• 
• +4
• 
• 

Great Oj Dim of Iboland
written by kinn, December 02, 2011

Ojukwu deserves a State burial, fullstop. he has contribute to this country of ours more than so many of his compatrots. please give him a state burial, we don't have to beg for this, PROVE TO US NIGERIA IS ONE now or never

• 
• +1
• 
• 

Dim's state burial
written by chuks sunday, December 02, 2011

Dim deserve a state burial.Even though he fought a war,it was a clear war which even a blind can see that it was necessary bcos of an open in justice being melted on Ndi Igbo then.Sante should not play politice over the burial issue of Dim.Give him his last due right please!.He merriated it in all round.God bless Nigeria & President Gooodluck Joe.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

"Ojukwu did not fall in the category of those who should be so honoured" Senate
written by Obinna Osuagwu, December 02, 2011

The Senate has described Ojukwu in glowy terms, but has vehemently refused his being granted a state burial

Reasons Ojukwu deserves state burial

Ojukwu rose to take up the plight of a group of citizens of this country sequel to the failure of the Nigerian government to protect the lives and property of this people from the massacre they faced at the hands of the northerners in 1966--and by so-doing he sacrificed his wealth, his future and condescended to the reputation of a rebel

Ojukwu is deeply reverred by a group of people in the Nigerian state and is nearly a mythical name--as Smart Adeyemi would put it.

Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu was a Federal appointee as governor of the Eastern region.

The war having been ended with a no victor-no vanquished slogan aimed at ensuring national unity, the leader of the side that attempted a secession deserves the honour of a state funeral as a way of ensuring this group of people of their togetherness with the country. Contrary to this is the view of Gen Obasanjo that this group are a conquered people.

This brings us to the national issue of discussing our past as a way of paving the path for a brighter future:

Has Nigeria any white paper on the causes of the civil war?
Has Nigeria indicted any personalities for the incidents in the lead up to and during the civil war?

This is what civilized nations do.
Perhaps, if we had long done this, we would have long determined whether Ojukwu was hero or rebel.

"We should neither negotiate in fear nor be afraid to negotiate"

• 
• +2
• 
• 

Ojukwu the Epitom of Rule of Law
written by fid chuks, December 02, 2011

sarcastic and disintegrating statement from the national assemble. to those normadic fullanis that called themselve Nigeria. History and cause of action will soon show them way out of this plannet.Hausas always claim that Nigeria blong to them yet,they dont want independent Biafra state.They know for sure that they parasite that feed where they dont plant.i leave them with their boko harrass it will surely harass them to death. but let me assure u if Ojukwu is not given state burial,Jona will be the most embarrassing leader this nation will ever had.Don't make mistake nor 4get that if he doesn't deserve,let no one not even Gowon should be given such honor bcos if you do,Northerners should expect the worse.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

on ojukwu
written by george jemegbe, December 02, 2011

the decision of the senate is fair enough. secondly, we must remember that millions of nigirians are hugry, jobless and should be moderate in spending for funerals. it is not the amount of money spent on funeral that makes someone important.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

baised senate
written by lolo, December 02, 2011

dim is qualified for state burial in any angle u may look at it. pls lets show oneness.... one naija as we always claim.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

Senate rejects state burial for Ojukwu
written by Aremu Mukaila from University of Ilorin, Ilorin, December 02, 2011

Dim Ojukwu should be given a state burial after all what is good for the gander is also good for the goose. I see no reason why the man must be denied of state burial. We need more clarification and condition for state burial for record purpose.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Ojukwu
written by philip.otubanjo, December 02, 2011

May his soul rest in perfect peace but we need a rational and real balance thinking on behalf of all Nigerians the Senate was right in the decision making on behalf of the Nation very right.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

chief
written by echo, December 02, 2011

I think Ojukwu should be given a state burial based on his selfless services to our nation. If demon called Abacha who was a murderer, dictator, thief (i mean armed robber) can be given a state burial, i think a man with good qualities should be honored. I hope our law makers will use thier authority well and do what is right.

• 
• -1
• 
• 

State burial for Dim
written by Dr Abu, December 02, 2011

Dim Ojukwu should be given a state burial and should not be called a rebel because he had never seceded the south-east of Nigeria as was claimed. That secesion was called upon by the entire South-Eastern State indegenes when they lost fate in the Nigerian State of unionism following the genocide of the South-Easterners in the North and some other part of the country. It was unfortunate that Dim Ojukwu was the then South-Eastern State Governor. He even tried to convince the people on the implication of secesion which all the affected South-Eastern Chiefs and elders urged him to declare a republic for them for they no longer desire to be part of the Nigerian State following their being massacre by the Northerners as history and evidence had it. Again, what is Nigeria doing or saying about that genocide or is it because the people killed are not human enough as it is still going on in the North?

• 
• -1
• 
• 

...
written by Chief A.C.Abone, December 04, 2011

Ikemba was a great man that loved his country and his people.He will be forever be remembered in this our beloved country.My thought is with his family and all Ndigbo. A great leader has gone home and there is no one to step into his extra-ordinary shoes.RIP EZEIGBO GBURUGBURU.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Great lost to Nigeria
written by ENGR. MARTIN OKORO, December 10, 2011

We heared of the death of Ikemba Ojukwu,here in Italy.It was a big lost the country Nigeria and deserves a state burial.I would love the President,and his ministers to attend the burial.Thanks.Engr.Martin Okoro,Italy

• 
• -1
• 
• 

adieu great father and mentor
written by Eugene Patrick Mgbeadichie, December 16, 2011

adieu great father, leader and mentor. writer was an infant when you toored Eastern region to pacify our people at the height of tensions ocassioned by the progrom.You warned agitators for of the consequences but the otherside felt and called you names but today you have been vindicated. You died agreat man and I mourn your demise. Adieu the greatest man that ever lived on this earth and defender of Ndigbo, Adieu geat father!

• 
• +0
• 
• 

No state burial, is telling us that we are not one
written by Demondtutu Eleke, January 03, 2012

That Odimegwu Ojukwu will not be giving his burial right, is just a way to tell all the Igbos both Governors and the senators that there is noting like one Nigeria, that what we have is Biafra and Nigeria. following what the so call Boko Halam are doing,
i will only urge the Igbos to please give our president his burial respect.and i will also use here to tell all the igbos to week up that 1966_ 1967 genocide is coming back again,

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Show/hide comment form

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment