₦airaland Forum

Rawlings pays respects at Ojukwu Funeral
March 2, 2012 by jjrawlings
Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, has at a ceremony in Enugu paid tribute to the late Biafra leader, General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, describing his death as a great loss to Nigeria.



President Rawlings said General Ojukwu stood for equity, peace and justice but did not hesitate to defend his people militarily in pursuit of those ideals.

The former President who led a delegation to the funeral of Chief Ojukwu who died late last year after a protracted illness said circumstances that led to the Biafra war were very disturbing.

“As a young, respected leader of his people he had to lead a sacrificial war that eventually brought reality home to all Nigerians and sowed seeds of unity in Africa’s most populous and ethnically diverse country,” he said.

The former President said events leading to the Biafra war have some similarities to today’s political circumstances in Nigeria and cautioned Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives during the Biafra war and create an opportunity for hope rather than despair.

General Ojukwu led the Eastern Region of Nigeria to secede in 1967 after the first two military coups in Nigeria created a systematic massacre of his native Igbos. Efforts to secure peace through a reconciliation meeting in Aburi fell through subsequently leading to the creation of Biafra and the Nigeria civil war.

Members of President Rawlings’ delegation included National Security Advisor, General Nunoo-Mensah, Hon. Michael Teye Nyaunu, businessman Herbert Mensah, Kofi Adams, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC and Alhaji Muftau Sanni Thomas.

waity jerry! 

Gowon don't come out ooooooo! Hide well well. hahah!

So, it is now a waiting game as far as Rawlings is concerned with Gowon.  I urge Gowon to tread careful to avoid the lions trap. hahah

Gowon was told. The Lion of Ghana takes no prisoner.

Rawlings pays respects at Ojukwu Funeral
March 2, 2012 by jjrawlings
Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, has at a ceremony in Enugu paid tribute to the late Biafra leader, General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, describing his death as a great loss to Nigeria.



President Rawlings said General Ojukwu stood for equity, peace and justice but did not hesitate to defend his people militarily in pursuit of those ideals.

The former President who led a delegation to the funeral of Chief Ojukwu who died late last year after a protracted illness said circumstances that led to the Biafra war were very disturbing.

“As a young, respected leader of his people he had to lead a sacrificial war that eventually brought reality home to all Nigerians and sowed seeds of unity in Africa’s most populous and ethnically diverse country,” he said.

The former President said events leading to the Biafra war have some similarities to today’s political circumstances in Nigeria and cautioned Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives during the Biafra war and create an opportunity for hope rather than despair.

General Ojukwu led the Eastern Region of Nigeria to secede in 1967 after the first two military coups in Nigeria created a systematic massacre of his native Igbos. Efforts to secure peace through a reconciliation meeting in Aburi fell through subsequently leading to the creation of Biafra and the Nigeria civil war.

Members of President Rawlings’ delegation included National Security Advisor, General Nunoo-Mensah, Hon. Michael Teye Nyaunu, businessman Herbert Mensah, Kofi Adams, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC and Alhaji Muftau Sanni Thomas.

Also in attendance were Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and Nigeria Vice-President, Namadi Sambo.http://jjrawlings./2012/03/02/rawlings-pays-respects-at-ojukwu-funeral/

Former Ghanaian president, Jerry Rawlings, has described the absence of Gen. Yakubu Gowon at the funeral rites of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu in Enugu as unfortunate, stating emphatically that it was a regrettable occurrence.

In his speech at the burial rites of the iconic Igbo leader at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, Rawlings not only rued over Gowon’s absence, but repeatedly referred to the ex-Biafra warlord as a ‘General.’
He said, “Had he (Gowon) been present, it would have afforded him the opportunity to truly show he no longer bore grudges with Gen. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu over what may have happened in the past.”
Gowon, who was in the United States of America, sent a condolence message to Ojukwu’s family through Prof. Benjamin Mariere and promised to visit upon his return, but the Ghanaian statesman said his presence would have changed the tide of the event.


He said, “Today’s event would have been legendary if only he (Gowon) had managed to be here today. However, I have told President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that Gowon comes to see the family of Gen. Ojukwu as soon as possible.
“I would still remind President Jonathan to ensure that Gowon comes to see the wife of late Gen. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.”
Having listened to Gowon’s condolence message, read out by Mariere, Rawlings added, “Indeed, the tributes showered here today on Ojukwu are wonderful and excellent. Ironically, that of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who is absent summed everything Ojukwu represented. What we owe to the words is to absolve them and assimilate what he said.”


Gowon’s condolence message read, “I could not be physically present at the burial of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. I am in the United States of America for an important matter. Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu will be remembered for his courage and unwavering desire to fight for justice for his people.
“Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu loved Nigeria so much, he merely wanted to opt out because of the perceived injustice meted out to his people.”
Meanwhile, Jonathan drew his eulogy from Chinua Achebe’s book Things Fall Apart.
The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, likened the late Ikemba Nnewi to the lead character in Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo.
He said and quoted from the book, “When a man lives a life of solid achievements that is when he is not forgotten.”
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, said the death of Ojukwu was a great loss to not only Anambra and Nigeria but the entire black race.


The Emir, a long standing friend of the Ikemba, described him as “a great Nigerian who struggled relentlessly to champion a just and united nation anchored on justice and equity.” He said that his struggle in Nigeria should be understood in the contest of emancipating his people in the light of justice and equity.
Bayero explained that events in Ojukwu’s life have provided a long framework to actualize a better understanding, peace and harmonious coexistence.
He said that from what he heard, that he was impressed by the love and care Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State extended to him.


Obi, however, observed that the death of Ojukwu, also known as Ezeigbo Gburugburu, calls for total re-examination of the nation’s life in the light of building a just and egalitarian Nigeria to which the deceased devoted his entire life.
In his tribute, the Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, said, “This great hero lying before us today, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, is one of those rare enigmas, the discussion of which can never be exhausted or caused to expire. The story of his life is actually a huge collection of stories. It is a massive montage and kaleidoscope of dramatic and historic events.”


He said, “Larger than life while alive and even more so, in death, Ojukwu is at once, a historical and iconic personage, an enigma and myth who bestrode his times like a colossus, and who responded to all emergent circumstances in his environment with typical candour and valour.
http://elombah.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10115:rawlings-regrets-gowons-absence-at-ojukwus-funeral-rites-punch&catid=31:ge

A very big thank you to Chinaemeze of Igboland, President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan and First Lady Dam Patience Jonathan; Eziwanne Ndiigbo. Onye-eze. U answer your fathers name very well, true son of the soil, u are. Eze-nwa. e me na.

General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika; odogwu dike so buru ebube agu ne eche alaigbo , Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark a special thank you for participating and making the occasion truly national Sir.

I also want to thank the Anambra State Gov Peter Obi, Imo State Gov Owelle Rochas both men were visibly out-standing all through both in London and Nigeria. I urge them to continue their good work and ensure the welfare of Ikemba treasures that are presently in their custody as Ikemba fought selflessly for our welfare.

Other Gov are the Enugu State Gov Chime Sulliven, Abia State Gov Theodore Orji, Ebonyi State Gov Martin Elechi Vice Senate President Ekweremadu all for their support to the Ojukwu family. I also extend a warm thank you to all the Other State representative from all across Nigeria for their attendance to bid a final adieu to a great Nigerian.

i.e. Emir Ado Bayero of Kano, Prof Wole Shoyinka, former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Chair APGA Chief (Sir) Victor Umeh

Jerry Rawlings of Ghana bu nwanne di na mba 1 of Ndiigbo. We appreciate your visible attendance even though it was a national funeral. His Excellency remains a principled pillar and architect of Justice in the Social, Political and Economic Strata-sphere. Oke-Nwa Ndi-Ghana gi eme onu dalu. 

Rivers State Gov Chibuike Amaechi, Akwa Ibom Gov Godswill Akpabio, Cross River State Gov liyel imoke, Delta State Gov Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan,  Lagos State Gov Babatunde Fashola, Niger State Gov Dr. M. Aliyu were exemplary. The Nigerian High Commisioner UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida was outstanding. Thank you Sir.

Asari Dokubo and the 3000 strong led all-night vigil in Enugu a very big thank you Sir. 

Absolutely, in line with the constitution for GEJ to seek a second term. Absolutely, nothing wrong with that.

GEJ. I really don't know where to start Mr President but thank you His Excellency, is in order. Anyi ga na ga niru. Chinaemeze of Igboland dalu, e me na.

Heart felt and bereaved. Take heart because God miss and love him more.

Mods, I will make this request once. Can this foolish thread by a mad person be deleted? Nairaland ought to have matured at this point. I want to talk about economic, political and social justice. This should be a creative site not a gathering for dumb fools.https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-884208.0.html

I strongly believe that south Nigeria would have been realized in the 1960s if the yorubas did not collaborate with the North. That country today would have been the economic power house of Africa. A dream to all other African nations but our reality.

I strongly believe that the cultural fusion would have been total with every community located in all segments of the country. Yoruba and Igbos would have been natural allies bothering on families rather than all this suspicion. Nyway, that was the alternative that never materialized. The lost southern Nigeria dream. Damn, love that title perhaps it should be my book title on this topic. hahah!

P.s. I am not advocating Southern Nigeria.

Sanusi should have the CBN cheque book ready. His people have done it again.

alj harem:
where have you been ? btw you look good 

how is studies ?

lmao! Alj, u still dey here? Nyway, fine and are u at the funeral? Sure u are special guest of honour, get some pics for nairaland. hahah

Interesting faces at the Lagos funeral. Sure the London/Abuja funeral will have even more powerful figures. Ojukwu was an  honorable man that will not be forgotten in a hurry.

The day this madness gets to the south; Enugu or Ibadan, Kwara or Makudi. Nigeria will be late. It puzzles me, how the international community could sit on the side and watch all these people die and do nothing.

Hate killers. Justice served.

LWKMD! ONE MINUTE, SAME TODAY. ODIKWA EGWU!  

I fully expected the Army involvement as long as GEJ was President. He Paid Ojukwu all his entittlement. So no surprise there. I also expect massob to perform all Otimkpu role allocated to his kins men and soldiers uninterrupted by the security agents of Nigeria.

A glorious day, it shall be. Igbos are not opposed to one Nigeria but[b] the government has a responsibility to negotiate some kind of settlement with massob as a non violent organisation, so we can close this chapter and move to betathings. [/b] 

Eze Ndi-Igbo 1 nairaland, dalu! u just made me laugh. lol
This people are very mad and need to be told wen i have the time.
Yes cut out pic, don't need boko members waiting at airport.

Edo and Delta. Kogi Southeast and Benue. All eastern States 

It's time to move people of the east, get ur money up. Nigeria won't survive 2015 once the south east oil production comes online.

Can't imagine abokis that have denied all forms of development in the south east being allowed to use the power of president to enrich themselves on southeast oil wealth.

i.e Sanusi 100 million naira cbn gift to kano after their elites master minded nationwide killing of all Nigerians without any condemnation of boko haram. bullshit!

Questions
1) Has NNPC been dismantled?
2) Who pays for the Negative Externalities of oil production to communities in Anambra?
3) Can Anambra now use this wealth to develop its transport network i.e. Road, Waterways, Rail and Air?
4) Can Anambra develop its cities as specialist places for specialised industries respectively?
5) Can Anambra rural area get a make-over of town villages with small scale industries and sales / home agricultural
     model jointly for all rural families?
6) Who controls the oil revenues?
7)who controls the oil executives and politicians?

These are serious areas of contention.

What about the other victims and the Christmas Day Church victims? Is this wat we should expect from Sanusi Presidency becos we all know he has such ambition?

Using Nigeria oil money from the south to enrich the north? Pathetic 

We shall never go back to those dayz. Forward ever.

RIP! U inspired millions with ur voice of an angel and pweety too. I believe that with a strong will, hope, faith and patience u can overcome adversity but not death as for dat u will need Christ.

Trouble has now ended as u wished but for us, u are gone too soon.  

OK2NV:
THE EDO pple especially the Binnis are now more closely related to Italy and Spain. WE FROM DELTA NO GET THEIR TIME

lwkmd! una no go kill person 4 nairaland. All, i know is wen the time comes for everybody to answer their fathers name the igbo speaking edo are off with asaba. The rest can go where ever they are comfortable.

OP, Edo and yorubas cultural similarities starts and finish with juju/agbero and even that is an African thing.

This is simple, Southeast is the most diverse economy in Nigeria. It is the only region in Nigeria that can claim to fully employ all four factors of production.

That is Land, Labour, Capital and Entrepreneurship. In land the resources are varied ranging on everything from oil, gold, diamand etc. Capital also everything from Vehicle manufacturing to machinery etc.

Labour is something even Nigerians can't deny as South easterners contribute significantly to industries workforce across Nigeria from blue collar to white collar workers from Cross Rivers to Lagos and even Ghana. From Rivers to Abuja, Sokoto and even Maiduguri.

Entrepreneurship is unmatched in Nigeria and Black Africa. As the list of enterprise are endless. Mind u Delta and Rivers are significantly tied to the southeast in particular Rivers that produce the most oil in Nigeria.

The question should be wat Southwest and core North contribute to Nigeria. Middle-belt and food aside .

Threats and Violence=Terrorism and Extremism.

                     Fundamentalism

Food mainly middle-belt.

lmao. The south south and east are the economic hub of Nigeria as we know today.