GOVERNOR Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna State and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said the death of Ojukwu was a great national loss.
Also, the former governor of the state, Abubakar Dangiwa Umar described the late Ojukwu as a great soldier and patriot who stood for fairness and justice.
In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity, Reuben Buhari, he expressed shock over the demise of the former Biafran warlord.
According to him, Ojukwu’s “love for equity, justice and fairness will always stand him out as one of the greatest personalities in modern Nigeria.” While commiserating with the family and all Nigerians on the loss, Yakowa called on the late Ojukwu’s family to celebrate his life in view of his numerous achievements and the fact that he lived a fulfilled life.
On its part, the northern socio-political organisation, ACF said it received the news of the death of the death with heavy heart and pray God to grant his family, his friends and people and government of Anambra State the strength and courage to bear this heavy loss.
According to the ACF, Chief Ojukwu was a seminal figure in Nigeria. To some,he was a symbol of patriotic courage who went as far as efforts could go to fight for his people who wanted their burden lifted and barriers to realizing their rights broken.
Col Umar described him as a great man, saying “I had a lot of respect for the late Ikemba . I remember in 1986, I invited him to Kaduna as one of the important guests at the launching of Kaduna State peoples reorientation campaign. This goes a long way to show the kind of respect I have for the late Ikemba”
Also, the former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa said “Nigeria has lost somebody who could unite the country. Ojukwu played a noble role in putting rebellion against Nigeria aside when he returned from exile. Instead of reviving the Biafra grievances, he decided to steer clear. “
Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi said, “He (Ojukwu) had remained symbol of reconciliation and accommodation until his death. May his soul rest in peace”.
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Yakowa, ACF mourn