Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has commiserated with the family of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. He also extended his condolence to the government and?? people of Anambra State over the unexpected demise of the Nigerian icon.
The Governor said that the death of the prominent leader who fought for the growth of a liberal and democratic Nigeria was, indeed, a great loss to the nation in general and Ndigbo in particular.
A statement signed by the special adviser to the governor on media and public affairs, Dr Cletus Akwaya reads in part, “the passing on of the Nigerian sage came at a? time? when the country needed his wise counsel and wealth of experience on its journey to a full-fledged democracy. Although the great Nigerian and leader of the Igbo nation fought for the liberation of his people, that struggle which led to Nigeria’s civil war, tested the resilience and tenacity of purpose of the Nigerian state.”
The statement continued,”the late political icon demonstrated uncommon statesmanship when he? came back home from exile and played his role as the nation treaded the path of? unification, reconciliation and sustainable development.
“Ojukwu expanded and also deepened the scope of democracy by participating actively in the evolution of Nigeria’s political experience by continually harping on the virtues of justice, fairness and transparency in the conduct of the nation’s political affairs.”
The statement further stated that “the late icon will be greatly missed by all, particularly members of? his immediate family. Nigerians should all be consoled by the fact that the late Dim Odumegwu? Ojukwu did not only live a very purposeful life but also left a legacy? of forthrightness, hardwork, sincerity and tenacity of purpose which should? serve as a reference point for generations of Nigerians yet unborn.”