28th February, 2012
Following the arrival of the remains of the Ikemba of Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Abuja and Owerri yesterday, the burial train today moved to Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, southeast Nigeria.
Aba was agog for the Eze Igbo Gburugburu today as the Abia State government declared today a public holiday.
Traders in the commercial town closed their shops as a mark of respect for the Igbo leader.
P.M.NEWS correspondent in Abia State reports that as the body of Ojukwu was being awaited, various groups and organisations turned out in large numbers to receive the remains.
They were seen in groups discussing the demise of the former Biafra warlord.
The atmosphere in Aba was that of sobriety with his image and souvenirs selling like hot cake among the crowd.
Chairman of the Local Planning Committee for the burial, Prof. J.C Ogbonnaya, said that coming to Aba was in recognition of the role Aba played during the struggle for Igbo dream. He said although Umuahia is the capital of Abia State, Aba got the recognition it deserved at Ojukwu’s burial.
As early as 7 a.m. today, Eyimba Stadium, Aba, was jam-packed with enthusiastic crowd eagerly waiting to receive Ojukwu’s remains .
Notable among those who came to the stadium was the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who arrived at Aba before his Abia State counterpart, Theodore Orji.
Security was tight in and around the stadium and those who got there before 8 a.m. could enter the place.
Ojukwu’s burial has rekindled the Biafran spirit as all Igbo men have sunk their differences.