It was eulogy all the way at a colourful reception organised in honour of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as his remains touched down this morning at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.
The occasion witnessed a Military Funeral Parade and a brief church service, led by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop John Onayekan.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who is on inspection of the areas affected by the recent oil spillage in Bayelsa State, was represented by his deputy, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo.
Jonathan described the late Biafran warlord with kind words, saying he stood “for justice, good governance, accountability, probity and, professionalism.”” “No words can adequately express the nature, character, legacy and lessons bequeathed by this soldier and gentleman.
“Let it not be said that Ojukwu died when the country needed his services most.
“Let it rather be said that Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu lived and served with all his might when the Igbos and Nigerians needed him most.”
Jonathan also praised the legacy bequeathed to the Nigerian Army by Odumegwu-Ojukwu as its first Quartermaster-General.
According to him, the late Odumegwu-Ojukwu “instituted systems that are now the hallmark of military processes and procedures, which till date are in use.”
In her remarks, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, noted that late Odumegwu-Ojukwu was not only an icon, but also the pride of his people.
Dame Jonathan enjoined all Nigerians to emulate the good qualities of the Odumegwu-Ojukwu, describing him as an accomplished Nigerian Leader.
Also on hand to be part of the Abuja reception for the late Ikemba was the the President of the Senate, David Mark.
He noted that Odumegwu-Ojukwu had continued to draw accolades from Nigerians, describing him as “an officer and a gentleman” as well as a dedicated leader, who stood for justice for the common man.
Mark, a retired army officer, opined that the history of Nigeria cannot be complete without late Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s mention.
Others who delivered goodwill messages were the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; and the Minister of the federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed.
A leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria and former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the regime of late General Sani abacha, Chief Tom Ikimi, presented the keynote address.
Present at the occasion were the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state; members of the Federal Executive Council; top military officers, both serving and retired.