ENUGU – Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Monday declared a week long mourning period for the late former Biafran warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who passed on last weekend.

MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, who made the declaration at a widely attended press briefing at Ojukwu’s GRA residence , Enugu, said the mourning period would commence December 1, during which Ndigbo all over the world were expected to offer prayers for the repose of Ojukwu’s soul in the bosom of the Lord.

He also declared that Ojukwu’s death should serve as a uniting force rather than that of disintegration of Igbo people, warning that those Igbo whose stock in trade was to betray Igbo cause in their own selfish interest should exercise restraint or face the dire consequence of their sabotage.

He said; “Ojukwu’s death should not be used for politics.  His death should be the basis for the unity of Ndigbo.  We have to start the unity of Ndigbo from somewhere.  ”With the death of Ojukwu the trouble of Ndigbo has come to an end. Let his death unite us rather that using it to play politics.”

He said that Ndigbo all over the world were expected to stay at home on the day of Ojukwu’s burial which is yet to be announced as a mark of honour for the former general, adding that Nigerians should use the death of Ojukwu to make amends and show evidence of “the popular No Victor, No Vanquished slogan” being used in Nigeria since the end of the civil war.

He said: “Now that Ojukwu is dead, we want that evidence of No Victor, No Vanquished shown. We want the Federal Government to give Ndigbo their rights as other areas and tribes are enjoying in their zones. The Federal Government should create two more states for the South East. They should do this through constitutional amendment.

“The Federal Government should also show evidence of No victor, No Vanquished by declaring the South East a disaster area in terms of infrastructure.  They should construct the second Niger Bridge, provide an International Airport for the South East and reconstruct our bad roads.  Ndigbo are entitled to this and we should be expected to beg for it.”

Acknowledging the contribution of Ojukwu to the political evolution of the country, the MASSOB leader said the Federal Government should also immortalize the Ezeigbo Gburugburu  by naming streets, roads, monuments and establishments in Abuja after him, saying it was not enough to pour encomiums on him now that he is dead.

“We want to give Ojukwu a befitting burial ever.  We want to show him that we love him even in death. All Igbo all over the world and indeed Nigerians should join hands to honour the departed hero,” he said.

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Posted: at 29-11-2011 11:44 AM (12 years ago) | Addicted Hero

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