Immortalize Ojukwu with one State for South-East – Gov.Rochas Okorocha
Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has urged federal government to immortalize the departed Igbo Leader, Dim chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu with additional state for the South-East so as to bring the zone at par with other zones in the country.
Speaking during the unveiling of condolence register in the state for the late Dim Ojukwu, at the Hereos Square, Owerri Gov. Okorocha maintained that additional state for South east is long overdue as it remained the only zone that has only five states.
The governor also enjoined federal government to address the issues of marginalization and neglect of Ndigbo which the late Igbo leader clamoured for until death.
Governor Okorocha extolled Ikemba Ojukwu’s quality leadership, principles, initiatives and love for Ndigbo, pointing out that he lived a selfless life that represented the interest of an ordinary Igbo man in all his earthly endeavours.
He explained that the condolence registers were provided to enable Imo people express their feeling over the death of their great leader whose exit has kept the entire state in a sorrowful mood.
The governor expressed optimism that Ojukwu’s death has marked the end of civil war in Nigeria and further urged Igbos to seize the mourning period for reconciliation with one another for peace and unity to reign in the region.
Governor Okorocha who expressed regret that Igbo leaders could not come together with one voice in championing the course of Igbo race, urged the younger generation to forget the past especially the pains of civil war and forge ahead.
He urged the people of Imo to shun kidnapping, robbery and other social vices that give only temporary satisfaction and show the spirit of self confidence which late Ikemba Ojukwu left behind as the true identity and culture of Ndigbo.
Gov. Okorocha regretted that Ikemba Ojukwu did not live to witness the completion of Heroes Square and Ikemba Ojukwu Centre that were built in his honour by the state government.
In his remarks, the state Deputy Governor, Sir. Jude Agbaso expressed hope that late Ikemba Ojukwu left behind a brother in the person of Gov. Okorocha, who shares the same selfless service and to common Igbo man. “There is no vacuum in vision pursuit, freedom does not die”, the Deputy Governor added.
The Bishop of Zion Church of United States of America (USA), Bishop Samuel Ekemam, urged Igbos to console themselves, adding that Ikemba Ojukwu did not die in vain but left behind legacies that shall continue to speak for him.
Also speaking, the state Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance Party (APGA), Chief Cletus Nwaka lamented that the party lost its Chairman of Trustee, when the party has taken leadership position among all other political parties in the South East zone.
Chief Nwaka said that Igbos has confidence in Governor Okorocha and urged him not to let Igbos and party down.
Omeoga Ugomma
For: SSA to the Governor (Media)