Ojukwu’s burial now February 3

The central burial committee for Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu has announced February 3, 2012 as the date for his interment.

Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, said this at a press conference he addressed on behalf of the committee chairman, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, in Abuja, on Saturday.

He also announced the constitution of a 40-member committee with Oputa as Chairman, himself as Deputy Chairman and Prof. A.B.C Nwosu as Secretary.

Senator Ben Obi is to serve as the Chairman of the Contacts/Outreach sub-committee.

Ambassador George Obiozor was announced as Chairman, Documentation/ Publications sub- committee.

Other members include eight nominees from Ojukwu’s close family members, close associates and Nnewi people.

One nominee from the Secretary to the Federal Government, two representatives from each of the five South Eastern states, one representative from each of the four states with the current five states of the South Eastern states constituted the old Eastern Region and two nominees from the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

The umbrella body of all Igbo socio-cultural organisations, the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, and all its associates will present three nominees while youth organisations present two representatives.

Chukwumerije said, “The interment ceremonies shall commence on January 30 with the arrival of the remains of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu from London.

“The interment activities will last for three Igbo market weeks (12 days), terminating on February 10, 2012.

“Locations of events will include Lagos, Enugu (the capital of the former Eastern Region), Calabar and several state capitals.

“The interment period will be preceded by 5-day pre-burial activities, including the traditional communal ‘search’ for a missing member by each of the five South Eastern states.”

He added that other details of the funeral activities would be announced later.

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