Even in death, he remains controversial.
The late former Biafran leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was the issue yesterday at the Senate where a battle to get him a state funeral failed. But, the former Eastern Region, where he was the first military governor, is to give him a befitting burial.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Andy Uba and 50 others, entitled “Death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi) 1933-2011”.
Apparently to capture the mood of the day, many Southeast senators, including Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who usually wears a traditional white dress, were decked-out in black suits. The late Ojukwu was from Anambra State.
The Senate resolved to observe a minute’s silence for the late Ojukwu. It also plans to send a delegation to commiserate with his family, the people and government of Anambra State.
The upper chamber also resolved to urge the Federal Government to immortalise the late Ojukwu by naming a prominent establishment after him.
The opposition of a state funeral was hinged on the argument that the late Ojukwu did not fall under the category of those who should be so honoured.
Deputy Senate Leader Senator Abdul Ningi said the prayer should be rejected in order not to set a precedent that runs contrary to the laws.
Chukwumerije agreed that the rule of law should be followed at all times.
The Abia State-born Senator noted that besides his belief in the rule of law, he objected to a state funeral because the Constitution reserves it for former heads of state.
Other Senators concurred and the prayer was defeated.
The stage for the debate was set by Uba, who told the Senate that Ojukwu died on November 26.
He traced the late Ojukwu’s birth, his role in the Civil War and other milestones he recorded.
Uba described the late Ojukwu as a versatile writer, a historian, an activist, a selfless, courageous, tenacious leader, an elder statesman in every sense of the word.
Chukwumerije, a close ally of the late Ojukwu, took over from Uba when Mark yielded the floor to him.
He noted that the late Ojukwu’s stature is diminished by taking the motion at the wee hours of the Senate Week.
Chukwumerije said: “It would have been taken at the prime time of Wednesday. He lived in Nigeria in an era when Nigeria was peopled by Nigerians. But with time in the mid 60s, traumatic events took place in Nigeria : coups and counter coups, waves of genocidal massacres and ethnic cleansing.
“And after the long night of violence and military rule, we found out that Nigeria has changed; that Nigeria has now been peopled by non Nigerians, its territories are now peopled by tribes and ethnic nationalities.
“Our foundational structures are being suspect. Now, what caused this metamorphosis, not just of Nigeria, but the subject of discussion today? What I can say in summary is simply this: the character of the Nigerian state, and that is the two aspects of it. Our neocolonial path to independence and the neocolonial constitution has a character and the character lays emphasis on coercive use of state power as a means of managing social grievances.
“This character manifested itself then and it is still manifesting itself today: from genocidal massacres of the Igbo to the Udi massacres; to Katsina Allah massacres; to even what is happening in Borno today.
“Ojukwu believed that justice and human rights are necessary for the existence of a nation. Ojukwu was the most reluctant actor in the call for secession. He should be given a posthumous award of GCON and the eastern states should give him a state burial.”
Senator Olufemi Lanlehin said the late Ojukwu’s life was worth celebrating because he left a legacy of service for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Lanlehin, who represents Oyo South, noted that the late Ojukwu served in the army when it was not fashionable to serve in the army.
He said the late Ojukwu believed in true federalism and insisted in the practice of same.
Senator Ganiyu Solomon (Lagos) said the late Ojukwu took up the responsibility as a leader of his region when he did; when it was necessary to do so.
“It was the only option at the time he could have taken; not many would agree, but we have different opinions. He was a great man,” he said.
Senator Hope Uzodinma (Imo) described the late Ojukwu as a great man who led a struggle for justice.
Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra Central) said the late Ojukwu was a great man, who had a vision.
Senator Smart Adeyemi noted that the late Ojukwu was destined to play a role in Nigeria’s history.
He said: “He played that role to keep the nation together. Over the years, we have experienced even far worse situations than those that created the Civil War. We have remained together because of the memories of the bitter experiences of the Civil War. All great nations passed through a civil war.”
Senastor Pius Ewherido (Delta) said the late Ojukwu had a rich background, “but he was humble to the extent that he became a recruit in the army”. “He was romantic. If you read his book (Because I was involved), you will see that Ojukwu was a romantic man.”
Mark, who summed up the contributions, said: “We believe he was a great Nigerian. Unless you love Nigeria in those days, you will not join the army. To join the army at the time he did was to defend the nation.
“Only true patriots joined the army the time Ojukwu did. What keeps me gazing all the time is that Ojukwu led Biafra at the time to technological development; they developed their Amoured Personnel Carriers. Why have we not been able to draw from that?
“We must admit that he had radical ideas; maybe he lived before his time. It is important that you cannot discuss Ojukwu without discussing Gowon, Hassan Katsina and others who lived in his time.
“People like Chukwumerije may have learned a lot of things. They learnt his style of leadership. All those he led did not quite agree with him, but if they believe that he told them the truth, they will come along.
“I believe that the history of this country will not be complete without bringing Ojukwu’s name in. I agree with Chukwumerije that all the south east states should get together to give him a befitting burial.”
Original post:
Ojukwu: Senate rejects clamour for state burial