Chief Tobias Michael Idika, President of the Ohanaeze, Kano branch addresed Kano residents on late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu’s Procession in the ancient city of Kano
“Ojukwu an Iroko Tree who came saw and conquered”
Chief Tobias Michael Idika words, “In Igbo parlance, Iroko tree depicts greatness, power and valour. And when an iroko tree falls, it signifies an event of the extra- ordinary. A saying also goes that life is but a walking shadow, a poor player plays and frets his part on the stage, and when heard of no more, it is like a tale told by an idiot but signifying nothing—but indeed, the tales of the life and times of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Eze Igbo Gburugburu — Ikemba Nnewi, shall continue to be very significant to the present generation and to posterity.
Precisely on November 26, 2011, an Iroko tree fell. The world tumbled, tears flew and the talking drums were silent when the news of the death of a foremost world -recognized leader filtered into Nigeria. His own people—Ndigbo and it dawned on them — Ndigbo that a big gully has been created in our chequered history. Even the sincere elements from the other divide of our country — Nigeria, knew, also, that a spice has leaked away from the nation’s troubled political ship.
Chief Idika
For the students of history, the contribution of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu to the political development of Nigeria can never be underrated. His desire to keep this country as one in the face of mounting ethnic crises was grievously misconstrued and those who look at history with a blind eye erroneously tagged a patriot, a secessionist. For those who did not know, the late Dim Ojukwu was the only officer of the Nigerian Army from Igbo extraction who insisted on dialogue when our people were being massacred like goats and chickens in northern Nigeria without justification.
Even when they failed to implement the Aburi agreement, he also insisted on one Nigeria, but as the Governor – General of the Eastern region and succumbing on the genuine pressure from stakeholders in that region the late Dim Ojukwu had no choice than to protect his people.
As far as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano State chapter is concerned; Ojukwu remains one patriot Nigeria ever had— a detribalized military officer and a populist. He dedicated his time and resources to fight for the freedom and liberation of his own people who were made slaves and second class citizens in their own country.”
Source of Information: Kolade Adeyemi and The Nation
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