A Tribute to Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu by Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige
Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
(November 4th 1933- November 26, 2011)
Today, you begin your final journey to a place prepared for you by your maker, who saddled you with great responsibility and endowed you with a lion heart and a strong shoulder to carry it. having sacrificed your all to the people you loved so dearly as exemplified and demonstrated in words and deeds, we salute you.
Dike Ora Mma Ndi Igbo, Ikemba Nnewi, Odenigbo Ngwo, Eze Igbo Gburu Gburu, Amuma na Egbeigwe, The People’s General, Ndigbo greet you! Nigeria greets you! the World greets you!
We had hoped it was a dream , but today confirms its reality. The sky dark and gloom envelopes the firmament because you are leaving us mortals on the planet physically for ever. But we see bright light in the distant sky as the haze clears. its meaning is quite clear and evident. We understand.
We acknowledge the inevitability of death as a mystery whose solution lies only with the all-knowing God Almighty. Yet, it still comes as a shock when death happens, such as that of a great mortal, leader and giant of a man. Such was the case when we heard of your passing on, our dear Ikemba, on November 26,2011.
This great event starts another phase of Igbo Nationalist Struggle. It is a magnetic force that should pull the Igbo man(Nation) close to one another. just like our Lord Jesus Christ, left his followers with His words and the Holy Spirit, you left us with a big project- TO ENSURE THAT IGBO RACE(NATION) WILL NEVER FAIL IN ITS BID TO FIGHT FOR EQUITY, JUSTICE,UNITY& PROGRESS IN THE PROJECT CALLED NIGERIA, BE ASSURED THAT I AM WILLING AND ABLE, AND WILL BE A PART OF THAT ” POLITICAL ARMY OF SOLDIERS OF IGBOLAND” TO CONTINUE ON THIS MISSION, UNTIL IT IS ACCOMPLISHED.
Though our opinions differed on some political issues, the constant things between us were our personal friendship; and our LOVE and belief in the survival of the Igbo Nation.
We mourn your departure,but also celebrate your philosophy which shall continue to to guide all of us in our future political struggles. A peep into your AHIARA DECLARATION we will be consoled and strengthened in the struggle for the liberation of Humanity. Ikemba, with your disposition you were feared and loved by many ,but at same time hated by a few.
Although death is an event that comes when it would, we are consoled that you are now in a better place with the saints in the bosom of the Lord Almighty. We pray that the same Lord that kept you all these years here on earth would grant those whose liberty you defended, and the lives you touched so positively, the fortitude to carry on and bear the huge vacuum created by your exit.
I, write on behalf of the Ngige Clan of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, to console the Ojukwu family, the people of Umudim, Nnewi North LGA, Ndigbo and Nigerians in general, on the passing on of this colossus and great man of honour; a man of deep and great convictions, a role model to many and the leader of a people!!
H.E Senator (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, MD,OON,KSJI
Former Governor Anambra State 2003-2006
Views: 0