The burial of the remains of the late Biafran leader, Dim. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu may now hold on March 1, 2012. It was earlier slated for February 3, 2012. The decision to extend the date is not unconnected with the just ended fuel subsidy protest which stalled various arrangements and activities of the national burial committee charged with the ceremonies, Daily Sun learnt yesterday.

Consultations are ongoing among various stakeholders, including the South-east governments, friends and political associates to firm up the new date. A source close to the national burial committee confirmed the new development, adding that the February 3 date was unrealistic in view of the enormous job to be done and the prevailing cash crunch occasioned by the protest.

The media aide to the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Valentine Obinyere also confirmed the new development when contacted, saying no effort would be spared to give the late leader of the all progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a befitting burial. He added that the shift in date was necessitated by the non-release of funds to the committee and the grounding of the wheels of the nation during the Labour organised protest.

The committee is divided into 15 sub-committees, including outreach and contacts, documentations and publications, finance, works, publicity, venues/ceremonials. Others are logistics, protocol, security, hospitality, health and sanitation, traditional/customary activities, traffic control, state mobilisation and IDA’s committees, and diaspora. It had earlier released an elaborate pre-interment/interment funeral programme commencing from January 14 and culminating in the “outing” and thanksgiving mass at Nnewi and other service and masses nationwide on Sunday, February 12, 2012.

The construction of the late Ikemba’s mausoleum in Umudim Nnewi, which is yet to attain advanced stage is another compelling reason for the new date. Although work is in progress at the site, it is feared that it might not be ready before the initial February 3, interment date.