By Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri
The atmosphere was serene and frenzy in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Monday, when the people of the state and sympathizers trooped out to the Heroes’ Square, Owerri, to receive the remains of their hero, the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu
The entire stretch from Imo Airport to Owerri was lined up by anxious people, who wanted to catch a glimpse of the great man.
Those who were at the Sam Mbakwe Airport could not contain their emotions when the Nigeria Air Force jet, NAF 917 carrying the body of late warlord touched the airport at about 3 pm, as they cried like babies.
Late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu
The corpse made a brief stopover at the Government House, before being moved to the Ikemba Ojukwu Convention Centre, where a tribute for the late Igbo leader was held.
No fewer than 10 army generals, who were fully clad in their ceremonial attire, lifted the casket bearing Ikemba Nnewi. This was in line with the directives of President Goodluck Jonathan, that the late Igbo leader be given full military burial.
However, the procession became a carnival of sort when the casket-bearing generals moved in consonance with the military music supplied by soldiers, thereby adding flavor to the event.
To ensure that Imo indigenes paid their last respect to Ikemba, Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha declared Monday work free day. Following this development, schools, market and government offices were closed.
Dignitaries that graced the ceremony included the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Imo State leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Martin Agbaso, among others.
SOURCE: Vanguard Newspaper, 27 February 2012. http://www.vanguardngr.com/
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