HONOUR OJUKWU WITH ANOTHER STATE IN S'EAST -OKOROCHA

Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has urged the Federal Government to immortalize Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu with additional state for the South-East to bring the zone at par with others.

Speaking while opening a condolence register in the state for the Ikemba Nnewi at the Heroes Square, Owerri, Gov. Okorocha maintained that the additional state is long overdue as it remained the only zone that has only five states.

The governor also urged the Federal Government to address the issues of marginalization and neglect of Ndigbo which the late Igbo leader clamoured for until death.

Governor Okorocha extolled Ikemba Ojukwu's quality leadership, principles, initiatives and love for Ndigbo, pointing out that he lived a selfless life that represented the interest of an ordinary Igbo man in all his earthly endeavours.

He explained that the condolence registers will enable Imo people express their feelings over the death of their great leader whose exit has kept the entire state in sorrow.

The governor expressed optimism that Ojukwu's death has marked the end of civil war in Nigeria and further urged Igbos to seize the mourning period for reconciliation with one another for peace and unity to reign in the region.

Gov. Okorocha regretted that the Ikemba did not live to witness the completion of Heroes Square and Ikemba Ojukwu Centre that were built in his honour by the state government.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Sir. Jude Agbaso hoped that the late Ikemba left behind a brother in the person of Gov. Okorocha, who shares the same selfless service to common Igbo man.  'There is no vacuum in vision pursuit, freedom does not die', the Deputy Governor added.

The Bishop of Zion Church of United States of America (USA), Bishop Samuel Ekemam, urged Igbos to console themselves, adding that Ojukwu did not die in vain but left behind legacies that shall continue to speak for him.

Also speaking, the state Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Cletus Nwaka, lamented that the party lost its Chairman, Board of Trustees, when the party has taken leadership position among all other political parties in the South East.

Chief Nwaka said that Igbos has confidence in Governor Okorocha and urged him not to let Igbos and party down.