The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday expressed sadness at the death of Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, saying his death robs Nigeria of a veritable voice of wisdom.
In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ACN described Ojukwu as a man whose own personal history is closely intertwined with that of Nigeria, hence the country’s history will be incomplete without a reference to him.
‘’Chief Ojukwu actions in his lifetime impacted hugely on the history of Nigeria and helped shape the country’s destiny. More importantly, his endless quest for fairness and justice was reflected in his unmatched love for his people, and the sacrifices he made on their behalf,’’ it said.
ACN expressed regret that the issues that led to the Nigerian civil war, of which Chief Ojukwu played a pivotal role, had yet to be fully resolved before his passing, saying this must have been a source of immense concern to him in his last days on earth.
The party said Nigeria can best honour Ojukwu’s memories by working hard to resolve the imperfections that still exist in the country’s federalist system, over three decades after the end of the civil war.
PDP, in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Alkali, said Ojukwu was in every way a lead character whose roles in the premiere chapters of independent Nigeria significantly shaped the history and the course of nationhood.
It said: “On behalf of the National Working Committee and the entire members of the PDP therefore; the National Chairman of our great party ; Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje condoles the Government and People of Anambra State, our compatriots in the Southeast, members of the Ojukwu family and indeed all Nigerians over the loss of one of the most colorful citizens of our dear country””Nigeria will no doubt miss his doggedness and his great lessons in uncommon service to the people. ”
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Ojukwu was bold, courageous, disciplined, say ACN, PDP