Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has re-iterated the call on the National Assembly to create an additional state for the southeast geo-political zone considering that the zone has only five states against more states in other zones. Governor Okorocha made this call in a tribute to the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, whose corpse was layed-in-state at the Heroes Square, New Owerri, Imo state.
He noted that the former military administrator of Eastern Region, Ojukwu being courageous and committed, fought for justice and for the interest of his people. Owelle Okorocha added that the Igbo believe in the unity of the nation, hence have over the years shed their blood for the unity of Nigeria. He thanked the President, Goodluck Jonathan for honouring the late elder statesman with a full state burial worthy of a late General and appealed to Nigerians to always sustain the legacy of late Ojukwu as well as remember the family in their prayers.
Deputy Governor of Imo state, Sir Jude Agbaso remarked that late Ojukwu gave the Igbos hope and pride that made them to rise in their defence when their lives were threatened. Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Ben Uwajimogu in a brief tribute said that late Ojukwu was a great man of Igbo nation hence the House had unanimously awarded a posthumous merit award to the late hero. The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) chairman, Chief Victor Umeh noted that the Igbo nation would live up to sustain the legacy of their hero now that he has left them.
Chief Arthur Eze, former Eastern Region House member, stated that Ojukwu fought and died for his kinsmen and thanked Imo people for finding the late hero worthy of elaborate funeral ceremonies. Highlight of the event was match pass by the military band, 21-gun salutes and fireworks displays.
