Gov. Obiano Gives Fallen Biafran Soldiers Befitting Burial

              Determined to put the memories of the civil war of over 40 years ago behind Igbos and ensure that the spirit of all those who lost their lives in the war on the Biafran side are assured of a resting place, Anambra State Governor, Mr. Willie Obiano, on Monday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, accorded the soldiers who fought for Biafra but lost their lives a befitting funeral.

At the Alex Ekwueme Square, venue of the event, the governor, who went down memory lane, recalling the events of those dark days in Nigeria’s history before a mammoth audience that included the Second Republic Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, traders, civil servants as well as politicians of all colours from the South eastern states, and Igbo-speaking areas of Delta and Rivers States, said that the gallant soldiers lost their lives so that Nigeria would be united.

Gov. Obianor said, “My brothers and sisters, we are not alone on this. History presents us with a long list of ethnicities and nations that have risen through horrific experiences to strength­en their ties of broth­erhood and re-affirm their humanity through symbolic events like the one we have gathered here today to perform.”

“Umu nnem, in my inaugural address, I in­formed Ndigbo that the time had come for us to climb over the recrimi­nations of the past and build new bridges of un­derstanding across Nige­ria. I argued that if our ancestors sacrificed so much to create Nigeria, we must not sacrifice any less to rebuild this coun­try. I also re-emphasized my belief that our fu­ture as a people is better guaranteed in a united, indivisible Nigeria. La­dies and gentlemen, that is why we must all vote for Dr Goodluck Azikiwe Ebele Jonathan in the presidential election that will hold next month”.

“We must also vote for all the candidates standing election on the platform of APGA here in Anambra and other states. We must sweep every available position in Anambra State and win the gubernatorial election in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Zamfara states. Ladies and gentlemen, this is APGA’s year of self-actualization and we must grab it with both hands.”

The Chris­tian Association of Nige­ria (CAN), Anambra State chapter, also called on the Igbos not to embark on ven­detta, noting that what is paramount is peace and harmonious relationship.

Speaking on be­half of CAN, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, said the ecumenical ser­vice was “celebrating the patriotism, the sacrifice of life and limbs made by some members of the Armed forces in vari­ous conflicts, especially the civil war and current Boko Haram insurgency.”

The bishop called the Igbo not to pursue ven­detta over their relatives who were killed during conflicts in the country.

Spokesman for the ex-Biafran soldiers, Col Ben Gbulie (rtd.), expressed happiness with the idea of mourning Igbo fallen heroes, adding that it has shown that Ndigbo are proud of their patriots.

Gbulie further ex­plained that in as much as the war had come and gone, the remembering of the fallen sons and daugh­ters during the war was instructive as it not only heals the wounds of the past but also commended the efforts of those who laid down their lives for the unity of the country.

The National Chairman of APGA and the party’s candidate for Anambra central senatorial district in the February polls, Chief Victor Umeh, said it was imperative for those who are alive to give the fallen heroes a befitting funeral.

The Igbos, he said, had gotten up from the effects of the war and would not fall again, adding that what they needed was a unity of purpose to come together and fight for their rights in a united Nigeria.