OJUKWU'S LEADERSHIP QUALITIES UNMATCHED

•Obi
Onyendu Ndigbo, Oyo State, Dr Alloy Obi, has said that the late Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu would be remembered for his high quality leadership and bravery. He spoke with NGOZI UWUJARE, in Ibadan. Excerpts:

Ojukwu's death
I am from Anambra State where the late Ikemba of Nnewi came from. I must tell you that his death is shocking and unbelievable. With his death the Igbo have lost a great and patriotic leader, who lived his entire life in the struggle for social justice and equity.

Ojukwu would be remembered for his bravery and high leadership qualities unparalleled not only among the Igbo but throughout the country. He was also a trail blazer. We have lost a leader of leaders and an astute administrator. Ojukwu, who came from a comfortable family background decided to suffer for his love for the Igbo.

President Goodluck Jonathan will do well by immortalising this great Nigerian. We urge all Igbo leaders to learn from his steadfastness and determination. I use this opportunity to commiserate with Nigerians on the loss of one of their illustrious sons and leaders.

2011 Ibadan Week
I want to commend the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), for the celebration of Ibadan Week 2011. The indigenes should ensure that their culture and tradition are not neglected. They should encourage their children to imbibe their culture. Ibadan is a peaceful city, the largest in the sub Saharan Africa. Its people are very tolerant and they give opportunities to non indigenes to live peacefully and carry out their businesses.

I also want to thank God for the life of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade1, for presiding over a peaceful city as well as for his peaceful and orderliness in handling the affairs of the city. He gave both the Igbo and the Hausa leaders good recognition. This has ensured peaceful co-existence among the different races living in the city.

Removal of oil subsidy
President Goodluck Jonathan should shelve the idea of removing fuel subsidy. It will bring him in collision not only with the National Assembly but with the masses. It is too early to introduce such a controversial issue since his government is less than a year. The President should forget it and look for a way to repair the refineries for the benefit of Nigerians.

Removal of Waziri as EFCC boss
I was shocked when I heard about the removal of Mrs Farida Waziri as the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The woman as far as I know was doing her best especially her recent trial of the former governors. I want the President to have a second look at the removal of Waziri. If government really wants to fight corruption, it should allow continuity and not make the appointment of EFCC boss a political affair.