Speaking at a special memorial lecture in honour of the defunct Biafran leader in Port Harcourt, Odili, who chaired the event, Ojukwu boldly canvassed for 13 per cent derivation at the National Constitutional Conference of 1994, convened by late General Sani Abacha.
Odili spoke as Enugu State Government unveiled a burial programme for late Igbo leader and leaders of Igbo traders from major markets in the 36 states of the country met in Awka, Anambra State yesterday with a decision to shut down all markets in the country on March 2, 2012 as a mark of respect for Odumegwu Ojukwu who would be buried that day at his home town, Nnewi.
Odili, Amaechi, Okocha eulogise Ojukwu
At the Port Harcourt ceremony, Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi leading lawyer O.C.J Okocha (SAN) spoke glowingly of the memories of Odumegwu Ojukwu, Odili recalled that he first had a hand shake with the late Ojukwu when he was Senior Prefect and Captain at Kings College, Lagos. He said he had the opportunity again when they both served in the 1994 constitutional conference.
Describing Ojukwu as a lover of justice, he said the Eze Igbo Gburugburu was on the side of the South-South during their agitation for 13 per cent derivation at the confab. "Ojukwu, myself and six others were members of the nine-man committee set up by the Conference to sort out issues on arguments around the derivation. Dim Ojukwu spoke boldly in favour of 13% derivation. He has written his name down as one who stood with the Niger Delta in her struggle for a better deal for the region"
Continuing, Dr Odlili, who lauded his successor, Governor Amaechi for his achievement so far in office, said the late Ojukwu fought for justice and fairness in the Nigerian state. He said the struggle for national unity and justice were among the challenges the late Ojukwu left behind for other generations.
On his part, Amaechi said Ojukwu lived to resist injustice and charged the Igbo nation and other Nigerians to be proud of him
Barrister Okocha, the 19th president of the Nigeria Bar Association, who gave the lecture on Eastern Region Reminiscence also said that Ojukwu fought against perceived injustice in the system.
Enugu releases funeral programme for Ojukwu
Releasing a programme of activities for the burial of Ojukwu yesterday, the Enugu State Government in a statement by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr Eric Oluedo, said that the body of the late statesman would arrive the Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu on Tuesday, February 28 to be received by Governor Sullivan Chime, members of the National and State Assemblies, Federal and State Executive Councils, Local Government Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, Igbo Elders, the Clergy and others.
According to the programme, a Requiem Mass will be celebrated in his honour at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 by 10 am.
This will be followed by an evening of tributes at the Enugu Sports Club.
Finally, on Thursday March 1, 2012, the body will arrive the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu by 10.30 am for a ceremony to be graced by the President and Commander –in –Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as well as other top government functionaries and prominent Nigerians from across the country.
The remains of the late statesman will thereafter depart Enugu for Awka, Anambra state en route his hometown Nnewi for interment on March 2.
Nigerian markets to close March 2
On the closure of markets for Ojukwu, President General of the South East Amalgamated Traders Association, SEAMATA, Chief Okwudili Ezenwaka, who led the market leaders on a courtesy call on the Special Adviser to Governor Peter Obi on Parks and Markets, Chief Sylvester Nwobu Alor, said a decision had earlier been taken that all markets in Anambra and Enugu states would be shut on March 1 to enable the traders participate actively in the burial ceremonies.
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