Thursday, December 1, 2011
Senate Rejects State Burial For Ojukwu
Written By
EMMANUEL IMOH EKEREUWEM
ABUJA
The Senate stood still on Thursday as it devoted the entire session to honour the late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Though members of the upper legislative chamber opposed the clamour for a state burial for late Ojukwu, they urged the former Eastern Region where he was the first military Governor, to come together and give him a befitting burial.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Andy Uba and 50 others entitled: “Death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi) 1933-2011.”
Apparently to capture the mood of the day, many South East Senators where Ojukwu hailed from wore black suits including Senator Uche Chukwumerije, known for his traditional white attire.
The Senate resolved to observe a minute silence in honour of the deceased; just as it also agreed to send a high powered delegation to commiserate with Ojukwu’s family, the people and Government of Anambra State.
The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to immortalize late Ojukwu by naming a prominent establishment after him.
The opposition of a state funeral was hinged on the argument that Ojukwu did not fall under the category of those who should be so honoured.
Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi explained that the prayer should be rejected in order not to set a precedent that ran contrary to the laws of the country.
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