By Kamsi Anayo
Twelve years after the death of former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, his wife, Bianca has praised former President Goodluck Jonathan for the honour done the deceased.
Bianca expressed the gratitude in a statement to mark the 12 posthumous celebration of Ojukwu made available to newsmen on Monday in Awka.
Bianca said what the federal government under Jonathan did was memorable , saying the honour to Ojukwu at his twilight and death was for both the family and entire Igbo people.
According to her, “This year’s Ojukwu Memorial Day 2023, is a tribute edition. As we converge to celebrate the life and times of this great man, the central theme is gratitude.
“This edition is dedicated to an uncommon leader, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was Godsent in the twilight of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s times on earth”,
Bianca continued, “When Ojukwu suffered a stroke in December 2010, President Jonathan, in addition to dispatching medical personnel, flew down from Abuja to Enugu, sat by his bedside, and together with Prof Ike, his physician visited him.
“When he was flown abroad for emergency medical intervention, Jonathan and state officials were in constant touch with physicians and medical personnel at the London hospitals to check on his progress.
“His wife, Mrs Patience Jonathan was a boulder of strength and hope with her consoling counsel and her prayers.”
Bianca added that when Ojukwu passed away in the early hours of November 26, 2011, Dr Jonathan deployed all necessary efforts toward state preparations, and ensured Ojukwu received heroic burial.
She said,“Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was accorded a superlative burial fit for a warrior king, starting with a military ceremony on the grounds of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“And a series of funeral events across 28 states of the federation, with lying in state ceremonies in all states of the South East, not to mention funeral masses and events in over 80 countries of the world.
“It is to the credit of Jonathan, and his compassionate wife, Patience, who not only threw their weight behind this unprecedented undertaking, but attended Ojukwu’s final burial rites at his ancestral home at UmuDim, Nnewi, Anamba State.
“Till date, it is on record that no other individual in Nigeria’s history has ever received a funeral of the nature of the pomp, splendour and circumstance as was accorded Ojukwu”, Bianca said.
The former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain stated that the Igbo Nation remains indebted to Jonathan.
“That you were able to accord this unprecedented honour and care to our icon and our hero, regardless of tribe or creed, under a leadership uncontaminated by the prejudices of the past speaks volumes of your mettle.
“Dr Jonathan, Ndigbo are a grateful nation. We deeply appreciate these precious gestures towards our beloved hero, in life, and in death. it shall always be well with you and your family”, she added.