Mrs. Ojukwu said what the Nigerian government under Jonathan did was memorable to Ojukwu, saying the honour to Ojukwu at his twilight and death was for both the family and entire Igbo people.
Bianca, the wife of the former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has held 12 years remembrance of his death, while praising former President, Goodluck Jonathan for the honour given to her husband at funeral.
The late warlord’s wife noted that till date, “it is on record that no other individual in Nigeria’s history has ever received a funeral of the nature of the pomp, splendour and circumstance as was accorded Ojukwu.”
Bianca made her feelings known in a statement to mark the 12 posthumous celebration of Ojukwu and made available to newsmen on Monday in Awka, Anambra State.
Mrs. Ojukwu said what the Nigerian government under Jonathan did was memorable to Ojukwu, saying the honour to Ojukwu at his twilight and death was for both the family and entire Igbo people.
According to her, “this year’s Ojukwu Memorial Day 2023, is a tribute edition. As we converge to celebrate the life and times of this great man, the central theme is gratitude .
“This edition is dedicated to an uncommon leader, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was Godsent in the twilight of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s times on earth," she said.
Continued, she said, "when Ojukwu suffered a stroke in December 2010, President Jonathan, in addition to dispatching medical personnel, flew down from Abuja to Enugu, sat by his bedside, and together with Prof Ike, his physician visited him.
“When he was flown abroad for emergency medical intervention, Jonathan and state officials were in constant touch with physicians and medical personnel at the London hospitals to check on his progress.”
Bianca added that when Ojukwu passed away in the early hours of November 26, 2011, Jonathan made state preparations, and ensured Ojukwu received heroic burial.
“Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was accorded a superlative burial fit for a warrior king, starting with a military ceremony on the grounds of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“And a series of funeral events across 28 states of the federation, with lying in state ceremonies in all states of the South East, not to mention funeral masses and events in over 80 countries of the world.
“Till date, it is on record that no other individual in Nigeria’s history has ever received a funeral of the nature of the pomp, splendour and circumstance as was accorded Ojukwu," Bianca said.
The former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain stated that the Igbo Nation remains indebted to Jonathan.