BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has called on Igbos not to pursue vendetta over their relatives who were slaughtered during the civil war, maitetesine of the 80s, and the other religious uprisings in parts of the North, including the current Islamic terrorism ravaging the North East.
Bishop Ezeokafor in his homily, during the Ecumenical service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day and symbolic burial of Igbos who lost their lives during the civil war, rather called for forgiveness.
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He praised the patriotism of those who laid their lives for the unity of this country and urged Nigerians to embrace peace the the unity and progress of the country.
In his address on the accession held at the popular Ekwueme square, Awka, the Anambra state capital, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra stated that the symbolic burial of Igbo war victims became necessary to ensure that Igbo fallen heros and heroines were accorded befitting burial so that their spirits can now rest in peace.
He stated Igbo have capacity to turn the misfortunes that have bedeviled the country and called on wealthy Igbo to come the rescue of the nation, especially Igbo land by redirecting their investments homeward.
He also urged electorate in the South East zone to vote massively for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the next month’s general election, President Goodluck Jonathan stating he has the vision to transform Nigeria.
The national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh commended the initiative to accord Igbo fallen heroes a befitting burial saying that it would help to unite the Igbos more and re-enforce Igbo communal spirit.
Chairman of the burial Committee, Col. Ben Gbulie described the event as a veritable platform which will further unite Igbos and urged Igbos to fudge a stronger unity among themselves.
Among the prominent sons and daughters of Anambra state who graced the event were Anambra state Governor Obiano; his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke; former Vice- President of Nigeria, Alex Ekwueme ; APGA national chairman, chief Victor Umeh ;former deputy governor Virgy Etiaba, Prince Arthur Eze; Speaker, Anambra state Assembly, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili ; Mrs. Josephine Anenih.
