Even in death, he remains controversial.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n The Senate resolved to observe a minute\u2019s silence for the late Ojukwu. It also plans to send a delegation\u00a0 to commiserate\u00a0 with his family, the people and government of Anambra State.<\/span><\/p>\n The upper chamber also resolved to urge the Federal Government to immortalise the late Ojukwu by naming a prominent establishment after him.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span> 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.<\/span> The stage for the debate was set by Uba, who told the Senate that Ojukwu died on November 26.<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Chukwumerije, a close ally of the late Ojukwu, took over from Uba when Mark yielded the floor to him.<\/span> Chukwumerije said: \u201cIt 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAnd 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOur foundational structures are being suspect.\u00a0 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis 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.<\/span> Senator Olufemi Lanlehin said the late Ojukwu\u2019s life was worth celebrating because he left a legacy of service for Nigeria and Nigerians.<\/span> \u201cIt 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,\u201d he said.<\/span> Senator Smart Adeyemi noted that the late Ojukwu was destined to play a role in Nigeria\u2019s history.<\/span> Senastor Pius Ewherido (Delta) said the late Ojukwu had a rich background, \u201cbut he was humble to the extent that he became a recruit in the army\u201d. \u201cHe was romantic. If you read his book (Because I was involved), you will see that Ojukwu was a romantic man.\u201d<\/span> \u201cOnly 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?<\/span>
The decision followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Andy Uba and 50 others, entitled \u201cDeath of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi) 1933-2011\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n
Chukwumerije agreed that the rule of law should be followed at all times.<\/span><\/p>\n
Other Senators concurred and the prayer was defeated.<\/span><\/p>\n
He traced the late Ojukwu\u2019s birth, his role in the Civil War and other milestones he recorded.<\/span><\/p>\n
He noted that the late Ojukwu\u2019s stature is diminished by taking the motion at the wee hours of the Senate Week.<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cOjukwu 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
Lanlehin, who represents Oyo South, noted that the late Ojukwu served in the army when it was not fashionable to serve in the army.<\/span>
He said the late Ojukwu believed in true federalism and insisted in the practice of same.<\/span>
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.<\/span><\/p>\n
Senator Hope Uzodinma (Imo) described the late Ojukwu as a great man who led a struggle for justice.<\/span>
Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra Central) said the late Ojukwu was a great man, who had a vision.<\/span><\/p>\n
He said: \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
Mark, who summed up the contributions, said: \u201cWe 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.<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/span><\/p>\n