Government offices and major markets in parts of Abia were on Tuesday shut in honour of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu whose remains were in Aba as part of his burial itinerary.
Gov Theodore Orji had on Sunday declared Tuesday as a public holiday as a mark of respect and honour for the late Igbo leader.
Orji had harped on how Abia in general and the city of Aba, the commercial nerve center of the state in particular, were so dear to the deceased hero of the Igbo.
“The people of Aba respected him in life and so they will also respect him in death,” Orji said.
However, all banks in Umuahia remained closed as the people mourned the departed.
The correspondent who went round the city reports that most residents of Umuahia, old and young were in pensive mood.
Most of the residents gathered at newspaper stands expressing their love and fondness for the late Ikemba Nnewi.
Mr Dan Iwuchukwu, a resident of Umuahia, said: “We will forever miss Ojukwu.
“I am particularly happy for the respect accorded him by the military and this shows that Ojukwu did not die in vain.”?