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From Iheanyi Chukwudi
Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has been eulogized for the honour done to the late Igbo Leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Ojukwu's widow, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, who showered praises on Jonathan in her statement to mark the 12 posthumous celebration of Ojukwu, said what former President Jonathan did for Ojukwu is unforgettable.
Ambassador Ojukwu stressed that the honour to Ojukwu at his twilight and death, by the Goodluck Jonathan-led federal government was for both the family and entire Igbo people and indeed memorable to Ojukwu.
Giving the central theme for this year's celebration as "Gratitude," Ojukwu's widow disclosed that the 2023 edition is dedicated to Jonathan.
She said, “This year’s Ojukwu Memorial Day 2023, is a tribute edition. As we converge to celebrate the life and times of this great man, the central theme is gratitude.
“This edition is dedicated to an uncommon leader, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was Godsent in the twilight of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s times on earth.
"When Ojukwu suffered a stroke in December 2010, President Jonathan, in addition to dispatching medical personnel, flew down from Abuja to Enugu, sat by his bedside, and together with Prof Ike, his physician visited him.
“When he was flown abroad for emergency medical intervention, Jonathan and state officials were in constant touch with physicians and medical personnel at the London hospitals to check on his progress.
“His wife, Mrs Patience Jonathan was a boulder of strength and hope with her consoling counsel and her prayers."
According to Bianca, "When Ojukwu passed away in the early hours of Nov. 26, 2011, Dr Jonathan deployed all necessary efforts toward state preparations, and ensured Ojukwu received heroic burial.
“Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was accorded a Superlative Burial fit for a Warrior King, starting with a Military Ceremony on the grounds of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“And a series of funeral events across 28 states of the federation, with lying in state ceremonies in all states of the South East, not to mention funeral masses and events in over 80 countries of the world.
“It is to the credit of Jonathan, and his compassionate wife, Patience, who not only threw their weight behind this unprecedented undertaking, but attended Ojukwu’s final burial rites at his ancestral home at Umudim, Nnewi, Anamba State.
“Till date, it is on record that no other individual in Nigeria’s history has ever received a funeral of the nature of the pomp, splendour and circumstance as was accorded Ojukwu."
Stating emphatically that the Igbo Nation remains indebted to Jonathan, the former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain said, “That you were able to accord this unprecedented honour and care to our icon and our hero, regardless of tribe or creed, under a leadership uncontaminated by the prejudices of the past speaks volumes of your mettle.
“Dr Jonathan, Ndigbo are a grateful nation. We deeply appreciate these precious gestures towards our beloved hero, in life, and in death. it shall always be well with you and your family."
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