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Igbos No Longer Taken For Granted -Amaechi: As Rawlings, Soyinka, Anyaoku, Others Grace Ojukwu’s Funeral In Enugu …Traders, Close Shops in Rivers, Bayelsa
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was among thousands of distinguished personalities that attended the national inter-denominational Christian funeral rites organised at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, yesterday in honour of former Biafran warlord and Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
In the same vein, Rivers State Governor, who was among the dignitaries who honoured and eulogised Ojukwu noted that he was a hero who succeeded in creating history as Igbos are no longer taken for granted in whatever form or shape.
The Nigerian Civil War, he said, had been fought and won, adding that Ojukwu was a hero, freedom fighter, hater of injustice and an intellectual of an Igbo stuff.
Governor Amaechi therefore called on Ndi Igbo to help in building all inclusive society for which Ojukwu struggled and died for, pointing out that, “we must be able to provide a vision Ojukwu will smile in his death”, he stressed.
President Jonathan, who was unavoidably absent was represented at the occasion by the Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo.
In his tribute, President Jonathan noted that since the demise of the great Igbo leader, a lot had been said and written about him, both in local and international media organisations.
According to him, shortly after the dust raised by the Nigerian Civil War settled down, Ojukwu became strong advocate of a united Nigeria, adding that during his life time, he believed in justice, equity and fairness.
The president also made it clear that the fallen hero equally continued to play active role in the advancement of the Igbo nation in democracy.
Others who paid tribute to the icon included the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as well as the host governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime.
Apart from the distinguished personalities who paid tribute to the fallen hero, other dignitaries present at the occasion included former President of Ghana, Flight Lt. Jerry Rowlings, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado-Bayero, Chief Jim Nwobodo, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue. GOC 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major-General OO Oshinowo, Chief Sonny Odogwu, former Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonnia Onovo, as well as the governors of Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States, among other important personalities.
Earlier, inter-denominational church service was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Callistus Onaga, assisted by his Anglican Communion counterpart, Bishop Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma and other clergy men.
The high point of the ceremony was the laying of Wreaths by some important personalities present at the event which attracted people from far and near, including traders, students, artisans, market women, lawyers, doctors, among others.
Meanwhile, the people of Anambra from all walks of life yesterday gathered at the Alex Ekwueme Sqaure, Awka, to receive the body of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra led other dignitaries in the procession that followed, while Rt. Rev. Alex Ibezim, the Anglican Bishop of Awka, led other priests to conduct a prayer. Ibezim asked God to unite the Igbo race and bind Nigeria together.
In his tribute, Chief Victor Umeh, the National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), commended the accolades made by national and international figures on Ojukwu.
Also speaking, the Nigeria Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Dozie Nwanna, noted that the late Ojukwu was the most illustrious Nigerian on the soil of the United Kingdom throughout the time he was at the London hospital.
Dr Oby Ezekwesili, the Vice President of World Bank for African Region, said Ojukwu was a leader who personified the dignity of the Igbo people.
In his tribute, former Police Service Commission Chairman, Chief Simon Okeke, described Ojukwu as “human lion and human tank,” noting that in death, Ojukwu’s battle on earth was over, but that the battle he fought was against injustice and corruption.
Anambra Governor, Mr Peter Obi, described Ojukwu as one of the most forthright personalities Nigeria ever had.
Also, former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, in his message, said Ojukwu was his personal friend of 67 years, adding that “when the call is sounded, all must hear, and for him, the call has been sounded”.
Others present at the occasion included former CBN Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Secretary-General of Ohaneze, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, former Director-General of MAMSER, Prof. Elochukwu Amuchezi, former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Pita Ejiofor, members of the clergy and traditional rulers.
The occasion was also graced by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, the five South-East governors and their counterparts from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bauchi States.
Members of the National Assembly, former and serving ministers, former governors, traditional rulers, war veterans and political stalwarts, especially from the zone, attended the event.
The event commenced with an interdenominational church service officiated by the Bishops of the Catholic, Anglican and Methodist Churches in Enugu.
In his tribute, President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by his Vice, Namadi Sambo, said that Ojukwu was a servant-leader who contributed to the political development of the country.
On his part, Rawlings emphasised the need to address the circumstances that led to the Nigerian Civil War.
While extending Ghana’s condolences, Rawlings commended Jonathan for giving Ojukwu a state burial.
In a message at the funeral, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said Ojukwu would forever be remembered for his courage, boldness, focus and unwavering desire to fight for justice, equity and fair play for his people.
The Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Rivers State Governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, described the Ikemba Nnewi as a freedom fighter, adding that Nigeria’s history would not be complete without mentioning the Civil War and Ojukwu.
The host governor, Mr Sullivan Chime, said that Ojukwu was “born like a king, lived like a king and died like a king’’.
In a related development, economic activities were disrupted in parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State , following a rally organised by Igbos to mark the burial of ex-Biafran warlord, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Areas mostly affected are Iloabuchi axis of Port Harcourt where most of the shops owned by Igbos were shut, the Mile I and III Markets and the Flyover market among others.
The Eze Ndigbo, Rivers and Bayelsa States, HRH Eze Adiele Maduegwu had earlier told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the Igbos in Rivers and Bayelsa States decided to close their shops to join their kith and kin across the country in the traditional ritual of searching for the dead.
Eze Maduegbwu said that the Igbo communities in the states were mobilising their members to ensure mass participation in the search programme.
According to him, to ensure the success of the rally, the community decreed that any Ibo man who opened his shop would be treated as a saboteur.
Canice Amadi, Enugu
L-R:Acting General Manager, Nigerian Port Authority, Port Harcourt, Mr.Uchenna Ugochukwu, Chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport, Rep.Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and member of the Committee, Rep.Jagaba Adams, during the Committee's oversight visit to the port in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.