PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed 'much sadness and a deep feeling of great national loss' on the death of Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in the United Kingdom.A statement released in Abuja yesterday afternoon by Presidential Spokesman, Reuben Abati said, 'President Jonathan joins Chief Ojukwu's family, the government and people of his home state, Anambra, the entire Igbo people of Nigeria and his friends, associates and followers across the country in mourning him.'The President urges them to be comforted by the knowledge that Chief Ojukwu lived a most fulfilled life, and has in passing on, left behind a record of very notable contributions to the evolution of modern Nigeria which will assure his place in the history of the country.'President Jonathan believes that late Chief Ojukwu's immense love for his people, justice, equity and fairness which forced him into the leading role he played in the Nigerian civil war, as well as his commitment to reconciliation and the full reintegration of his people into a united and progressive Nigeria in the aftermath of the war, will ensure that he is remembered forever as one of the great personalities of his time who stood out easily as a brave, courageous, fearless, erudite and charismatic leader.'The President calls on Chief Ojukwu's family, his associates and followers to make his rites of passage a celebration of his most worthy and memorable life spent in the service of his people and the nation.'He prays that God Almighty will grant Chief Ojukwu's soul eternal rest from his earthly labours.'...A National Icon, Says ChimeGovernor Sullivan Chime has expressed profound shock and sorrow over the death of former Biafran leader, Odumegwu-Ojukwu saying that his passage has robbed the country of one her most notable historical and political figures.In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, the governor described Ojukwu as a foremost nationalist and activist whose contributions to the political and constitutional development of the country are not only indelible but in some ways inimitable.He described the deceased as a symbol of the struggle against injustice, segregation and oppression against any group of people in the country adding that his epic efforts had helped to lay the foundation for national integration and the sense of equality and unity that prevails in the country today.Governor Chime noted that as a politician, Ojukwu had fought fearlessly for the survival and sustenance of democracy in the country, waging a relentless war against electoral fraud and insisting on the establishment of a level play ground for all participants in electoral processes.He said Ojukwu was an icon who, despite his affluent background, was never afraid to speak out on critical national issues or challenge policies that tended to infringe upon the rights of the people adding that this disposition had helped him remain a highly influential and charismatic political figure in his lifetime.Chime said, 'The history of this country cannot be complete without profound mention being made of the contributions of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. He was a vocal and forceful advocate against injustice and oppression, an activist who was prepared to risk all including his life, to ensure that the everyone was accorded his rightful place and due. He was a friend to all who believed in national integration and equality of all races. Nigeria will certainly miss him'.The Governor commiserated with the family of the late statesman and assured them that Enugu people and the entire country stood with them in this period of grief.The Biggest 'Iroko Tree' In The Forest Of Igboland Has Fallen, Says OniFrom Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado EkitiFormer Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni has described the death of Ex-Biafran Warlord and Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the fall of 'the biggest iroko tree in the forest of Igboland.'Oni, who reacted to Ojukwu's death through his Media Aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka said; 'with Ikemba's death; there is nothing more to say other than 'oke osisi di na nukwu ogha na ala igbo adawoo' (The biggest iroko tree in d forest of igboland has fallen).'The former governor said Ojukwu will however be happy that the Igbo nation that he fought for has now taken its pride of place in the Nigeria polity, adding that; 'the lesson of the civil war has remained one of the unifying factors for Nigeria till date.''Like our own Col Adekunle Fajuyi in Ekiti, Ojukwu was a fine soldier and a believer in the preservation of the military hierarchy and rules. He demonstrated this after the 29 July 1966 coup.'And like his chieftaincy title; Ikemba connotes, Ojukwu was indeed the 'Power of the Igbo people, and truly a Dikedioramma (beloved hero).'He will be missed by all.''He'll Remain Our Hero'From Gordi UdeajaAbia state governor Dr Theodore Orji has described the death of the ex-Biafran war lord, Odumegwu-Ojukwu asvery a painful loss saying ' he came, saw and conquered'.Speakingthrough his Chief Press Secretary, Ugo Emezue, governor Orji said the late Ikemba Nnewi would forever be celebrated even in death for playing significant roles in championing the cause ofNdigbo in his lifetime.' He will remain our hero when it comes to Igbo unity, progress and welfare and an enigma and nationalist of all times'.He added that the southeast leaders would arrangea befitting burial for the late statesman.A Monumental Tragedy, Says NwodoFrom Leo Sobechi, AbakalikiTraditional Ruler of Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti council area of Enugu State, Dr. Joe Nwodo, has described the death of Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, as a monumental tragedy pointing out that 'Ojukwu has been the only voice for change of direction to restore our people to their full rights'.In a telephone chat with The Guardian over the news of the demise of the ex-Biafran warlord, Dr. Nwodo, who was a former presidential aspirant under the defunct National Republican Convention, (NRC); noted that between Ojukwu and other leaders, 'it is an advancing gulf between change and no change'.'Oh! He is gone; he stood for change and development for the restoration of rights of the individual. He stood for the people being empowered to express their God given talents and the exercise of their basic rights. Ojukwu will forever be a hero as far as the rights and privileges of ordinary Nigerians are regarded as sacrosanct,' Dr. Nwodo asserted.Similarly immediate past Special Adviser to Governor Martin Elechi on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Abia Onyike in his reaction noted that 'Ojukwu became a myth and a mystery in Nigeria politics because of the way he championed the struggle for Igbo self determination in Nigeria' adding that 'It is an irony that some other Nigerians who claimed to be regional champions were not so daring, neither were they able to go the extent we went'.While praying for the eternal rest for his soul, Onyike added: 'History will record him as one of the most, if not the most charismatic and articulate minds to emerge from the military establishment. Igbos and many Nigerians worshiped him to the point of adoration and at a stage he became a living legend ad some what enigmatic. Till death, he still remained the greatest crowd puller in Nigeria'.'...Irreparable Damage'From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, AbujaThe House of Representatives has described the death of Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, as a sad blow to the nation's quest for transformational leadership.In a statement issued by the Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Zakari Mohammed, Ojukwu's death was described as a colossal and irreparable damage to the intellectual growth and progress of Nigeria.The statement reads in part:'Ojukwu was the first Nigerian graduate to have enlisted in the Nigerian army and added intellectual dimension to the force while in service of his fatherland. While alive, Ojukwu displayed rare courage on principled stand on sensitive national matters; we in the Seventh Assembly regret his death but we are consoled by the fact that we will continue to uphold the principle, ideals and uncommon courage that Ojukwu lived and died for.''He Was A Fighter...'From Tunji Omofoye, OsogboOsun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described the death of Odumegwu-Ojukwu as a great loss to Anambra and the nation as a whole.The Governor in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said Ojukwu was a fighter who would not be forgotten easily for all he had done for the advancement of his people in the Nigerian state.Aregbesola, while extolling the virtues of the Ikemba of Nnewi, stated that Ojukwu lived his entire life fighting for the development of his people which was evident in 1944 when he was briefly incarcerated for assaulting a white British colonial teacher who humiliated a lack woman at the King's College in Lagos.'Emeka Ojukwu is a man with dedication and passion for whatever he believed in. He was fanatically committed to the cause of his people. The Biafran leader who doubled as the Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will be greatly missed by all.'The Governor also added that the memories of Ojukwu will forever be with the Army as he was among one of the first University graduates who enrolled in the Nigerian Army.A Part Of Every Igbo Man Has Died, Says Governor ObiAmuma na Egbeigwe edelu juuuu; Udo eji akpu Agu agbabie; Odenigbo Ngwo anabago; Ikemba Nnewi a gaba goo; Dikedioranmma nweru ka osi noru kitaa, Ezeigbo Gburugburu , enwooooo! Obu inaba ka anyi mezie gini' Onye ga na-ekwuru anyi' Onye ga abamba ka Agu ma oburu na ana emegbu anyi' Enwoooooooo! Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, enwoooooo!In the traditional Igbo society, the death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu would be announced by the famous Ikoro Drum, reserved for outstanding people in the society once in a century. This is what I have just done in the foregoing. We hereby, in consultation with the immediate family of Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announce his death which occurred in the early hours of today, November 26, 2011.With Ojukwu's death, the entire Igbo race, at home and in the Diaspora as well as Nigerians have lost a treasure. He was one of the most forthright personalities Nigeria has ever had. He believed in a Nigeria where justice and equity should reign and devoted his life to their pursuit of that ideal as if he was under a spell.While alive Ezeigbo Gburugburu was such a subject of history that it makes little sense to start contemplating how history will remember him.He is worthy of Ceaser's own summary of his victory in Pontus (former Asia Minor), Veni, vedi, vici, (I came, I saw, I conquered). Ojukwu came, saw and conquered, leaving for us vital lessons in patriotism and nationalism.With his death, a part of every Igbo man has also died. We shall continue to remember him in our prayers as we work out further details in consultation with his family and other stakeholders.'He Was A Fearless Fighter...'By Chijioke IremekaDr. Michael Egbedike, Commissioner for EnvironmentThe death of Ojukwu is a big loss to the country and Igboland. The iroko has fallen and it will be difficult to find his replacement in the heart of the people, especially the people of Igbo origin.He was a fearless Igbo man who stood for truth and justice. He proved himself worthy of emulation. He was a selfless servant of the masses. He was the first Commissioned Officer to Nigerian Army.He lived the life that everybody will remember. He stood for the right of the common man and struggled to get his people out of the slavery through his self-government move in the 70s.There is nowhere the history of Igboland would be told without mentioning his name. Ojukwu was a great man from a very rich home, yet he was humble and decided to make impact in the lives of Nigerians.Maja Emeka Umeh, Commissioner for Information, Culture and TourismThe death of Ojukwu is a colossal loss to the country and entire Igboland. He was a true son of Anambra State. Until his demise, he was a dodged and resolute man, who was fierce in battle, politically or militarily.When Ojukwu determined to do anything, he did it without any form of fear. These are the things that made him unique in his life and I would want every Igboman to believe and uphold this trait and culture of Igboland. We have the culture of doing things well, especially the cause we believe in.Ojukwu's death will be the time for rejuvenation of Igbo race and hard work to enthrone and reinstate our race. We need to instill this spirit of Igboness in our young people to also defend our land.Death Should Remind Us Of Our Unfinished Business ' TinubuThe death of Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu marks the passage of one of the movers of Nigerian history in the 20th century, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) national leader has said.But he added that Ojukwu's death should remind everyone of Nigeria's unfinished business, and the need for urgency in fixing the problems, once and for all.'Ojukwu's death once again reminds all of us of the unfinished business of Nigerian federalism. If only for his memory, and to ensure that Nigeria never suffers any crisis like the Civil War again, we must all rise as a people to fix Nigeria's special challenges. That is why,' he insisted, 'Nigeria must, as a matter of urgency convoke a sovereign national conference, where all these issues would be resolved.'He said the fact that tensions still persisted 31 years after the Civil War (1967-1970), proved the depth of the feelingof marginalisation and perceived unfairness by critical stakeholders in the Nigerian union.Tinubu extended his condolences and sympathies to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, the widow and the entire clan Ojukwu, as well as the entire Igbo race. The former governor said though Chief Odumegwu-Ojukwu was a controversial figure, he made his mark during the era of the titans of Nigerian politics and governance....A Leader Who Stood By His People '' FayemiEKITI State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, yesterday commiserated with the family of the late Biafran Leader, Chief Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the entire people and governments of the South East geo-political zone of the country on the passing on of the late leader.Fayemi in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, described the late Ikemba of Nnewi, who was also the National leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as a leader who loved his people and defended their interests till he breathed his last.He said, it was for this reason that the late leader was revered by his people.Fayemi said Ojukwu would be remembered as a leader who never shied away from making his stand known on any issue, especially those that have directly affectd the interest of his people.'On behalf of my family and the entire people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the entire family of the late Chief Ojukwu, the government and the people of Anambra State and indeed the governments and people of the states in the South east geo-political zone.'... A Man Of Courage, Wisdom, Says OkorieFOUNDING leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chief Chekwas Okorie has described the late Ikemba Nnewi as a fearless leader who applied wisdom in the choices he made.He said, 'It is with heavy heart that I received the sad news that the great Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu has finally succumbed to the cold hands of death. I feel a personal sense of loss. I had an intensive and close association with the Eze Igbo Gburugburu for an unbroken period of period of more than two decades. During this period I had the uncommon privilege of drinking deeply from his fountain of wisdom. Dim has left a rich legacy of patriotism, courage, gallantry, fearlessness and sacrifice. I pray that the Almighty God shall be merciful to his soul and receive him in heaven.'Nigeria Has Lost Illustrious Son ' AnyaokuFormer Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has described late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu as an illustrious son of the country, and his death a great loss.He said: 'I received with great sadness the news of the death of Ojukwu. Nigeria, especially Ndigbo, have lost an undeniably illustrious son. Whatever differing views there may be since independence, it is unarguable that Ojukwu has an assured place in the history of Nigeria.'He will be greatly mourned by many friends and admirers within and outside the country of his birth.'Our Love For Him Will Never Go Cold, Says MASSOBThe death of Ikembe Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu which occurred yesterday has thrown Ndigbo in general and Nigerians in deep mourning.Director of Information of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu in his reaction said, 'our love for him will never grow cold, even in death. He is the symbol of Ibgo spirit which never dies. As long as Ndigbo live, Ojukwu lives, he lives in our conscience'.Headded, 'Though we received the message with shock, we are in painful mood'. He saidMASSOB leadership would issue an official statement latter.Also reacting, former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, expressed sadness over the colossal loss, describing him as a leader, father, brother and friend.'I feel deeply saddened by the passing on of our dear father, leader, brother and friend.'His death was great loss to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a party, Igbo land, Nigeria, Africa and the entire world,' Akunyili noted.In her reaction, a member of the House of Representatives, Mrs Uche Ekwunife, stressed that the country had lost one of the finest men of Igbo extraction.'He was a rare gem, selfless and patriotic Nigerian, a nationalist whose principles are unequalled.'Ojukwu would be remembered for his bravery, commitment, sincerity of purpose and most importantly his undiluted love for his people,' Ekwunife said.In his reactions, the state Commissioner for Environment, Dr Mike Egbebike, said that a giant in the country had fallen and that it would be hard to wipe out the memory of the former Biafran leader from the people's sub-consciousness.According to him, history will remember him with kindness because of his courage and doggedness in fighting for the emancipation of his people even till he breathed his last.In his reaction, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, the traditional ruler of Nnewi, where late Ojukwu hailed from, described his death as shocking, saying 'we did not expect it to happen now.''An iroko tree has fallen especially in my town. I am dumb founded,' Orizu bemoaned.Tofa: Nigeria Has Lost A True StatesmanThe Ikemba was a man I truly liked and respected. When I became the Presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), he decamped from the Social Democratic Party to NRC. He came to Kaduna to have a meeting with me and told me why he decamped. I was impressed! And, from then on, he escorted me throughout the weeks of my campaigns in the South East and the South South. Chief (Dr.) Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the famous Ikemba, became like a father figure to me. He was a true Nigerian, who served his country well, despite the interruption of the civil war. His family and all of us have lost an icon and a visionary leader. Nigeria will certainly miss him. I sincerely pray that God Almighty will have mercy upon his soul. Good Bye, my dear Ikemba.He's A True Nigerian Hero ' MimikoOndo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, on behalf of the government and good people of the state, commiserates with the family of the late Nigerian hero, Odumegwu-Ojukwu.Mimiko, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Eni Akinsola, described the death of the great Biafra warlord as a big loss to Nigeria.The governor noted that the bravery displayed by the great Ikemba of Nnewi during the Nigerian civil war really helped the country to address certain fundamental national issues which united all the ethnic groups in the country, many years after the incident.He noted that the vacuum, which Ojukwu's death has created, will be difficult to fill because he was a great man, who had a dream for a great nation where there will be justice, equity and fairness.He prayed God to grant the Ojukwu family, the Igbo people and the entire Nigerians, the fortitude to bear the loss.... Okorocha Leaves For LondonGovernor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State left for London last night to participate arrangements following the death of Odumegwu Ojukwu.The entire city of Owerri was thrown into sadness when the news of Ojukwu's death filtered in. Many persons wore long faces, just as other were seen discussing the issue.Speaking with The Guardian yesterday evening in Owerri, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Obinna Duruji, said the governor was deeply touched by the death of the great Igbo leader, stating that he cancelled other state duties to travel to London to visit the hospital where Ojukwu passed on.He said: 'His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is traveling to London this night because of it. He adjusted his programme and left for London this night. His death is a huge loss. The Igbo think tank will be challenged by his death. Ojukwu was one such hero to the Igbo nation. The governor will work with his brother governors in the zone to see he is given a befitting burial.' He said that Okorocha regarded the death as a loss not only to Nigeria, but to Africa.Meanwhile, the Imo state chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe described the death of Ojukwu as a shock to him, describing the deceased as one who fought to protect Igbo race.'Ojukwu Place In History Intact'A great Nigerian has passed to the world beyond. Odumegwu Ojukwu will forever remain a great name in Nigerian History. The Biafra Ojukwu led during the country's civil war an historical necessity for Nigeria. Nigeria today is one of the few remaining Federations in the world because of the patriotism of Ojukwu who refused to proclaim guerilla warfare after the end of the civil war in 1970. He returned to Nigeria from exile in Ivory Coast affirming that he had returned home a Nigerian. Despite the fact that Ikemba Ojukwu came from an affluent home, he was a Nigerian who rejected his class and was pleasant to everyone rich or poor. He will for long be remembered.- Chief Ebenezer Babatope OFR'He Was Passionate About Ndigbo'Senator Chris Ngige noted that the news about the demise of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi, Dike Eji Eje Mba Ndigbo Nile 'came to me this morning and I could not help but feel that sense of grief.' He however said 'it is not in doubt that Ojukwu wrote his name in the sands of time and played a pivotal role towards the place of Ndigbo in the Nigerian polity. While we mourn the passage of a true Nigerian leader, it is also instructive that we Ndigbo and Nigerians should see this announcement of sober reflection over the place of Ndigbo in the Nigerian polity. He was a lion in all sense, he exhibited most attributes of leadership especially courage.'An Irreplaceable Leader ' EzeifeFormer Governor of Anambra state, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife has described the late Biafran warlord and Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Emeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu as an irreplaceable leader and the soul of Ndi Igbo. In a statement yesterday in Abuja, who described as a shock the death of Emeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, commiserated with the entire family and prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.Demise Of An Icon, Says ElechiGovernor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State has expressed disbelief over the death of Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu saying 'that Ojukwu is dead remains a rumour, but if it is true, the death of the Ikemba is a national tragedy of immense proportion'.In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Dr. Onyekachi Eni; Elechi stressed that 'it (the death) represents the demise of an icon while his death is the end of an era. Nigeria has lost a dynamic leader and a protagonist of positive change. Though death is a debt which all mortals must pay, Ojukwu's accomplishments transcend mortality. May his soul rest in peace'.
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