Dr Obinna Uzoh, a philanthropist of note and key political chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Anambra State is also Chairman of Gocuz Group of Companies. In this brief encounter with LOUIS ACHI he eulogized former leader of the defunct Biafra, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who died on November 26, at the Hammers-field Hospital, London. He also spoke on some other national issues. Excerpts:
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What historical political model would you cast the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu into?
You are pushing a debatable question here. However, I would say that the total passion with which the late Ikemba pushed the Igbo cause and let’s not forget, the Nigerian cause also, puts him in the mould of the former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He demonstrated extra-ordinary strength and courage in the face of extreme challenges. He was a patriot extra-ordinary. There are so many other comparable historical models but let me leave it at this for now.
You are a key voice in Ndigbo’s political intelligentsia. Following the Ikemba’s death, willy-nilly, attention is now shifting to talk of a successor. What are the choices before Ndigbo?
Talks of succession for now are premature. The core issue now is to organise a befitting burial for Dim Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. To indulge now in the kind of speculation you are alluding to is for me disrespectful of our fallen hero. We will like to use this major milestone in Igboland to reunite our people. In grief new meanings can arise, new imperatives, new dreams, new hope and a deepened sense of unity and common destiny. I want to use this occasion to Ndigbo to unite. Please don’t misunderstand me. Igbo unity will benefit Nigeria also. To do the departed Ikemba best, we must emulate the depth, sweep and strength of his vision. We should also emulate his sheer courage. Leadership succession is a natural process that follows time-honoured principles.
Ndigbo grieves. What is your personal feelings and assessment of the fallen Igbo leader?
Ojukwu will remain evergreen in the mind of Nigerians. He is as among the great personalities of his clime, respected and revered for being? intelligent, brave, courageous, fearless, erudite and a charismatic leader. His charisma and personality commanded and commands respect.
His death will remain a big loss to Ndigbo of the South East and to Nigeria at large because the man who many called Ezeigbo gburugburu (over-all king of the Igbos) made the Igbos what many other ethnic nations want to be. Ojukwu can simply be described as a true patriot who abhorred injustice and a man with with uncommon love for Ndigbo. One of his greatest achievement? as an Igbo leader and politician is that he influenced and aroused the political consciousness of Ndigbo to what he perceived as injustice in our political environment. He fought for, stood for, justice, equity and fairplay.
With Ojukwu, you can be sure of who you are dealing with. He was very reliable. He was one not easily swayed by promises of material things or political office patronages; a man ever ready to fight in defence of the oppressed and the powerless. There can never be another Ojukwu in Nigeria.
Are you in support of proponents of state burial for the late Ikemba?
Yes, am in support of state burial for Ojukwu. Ojukwu deserves a respectful burial by the state governments in the South East as well as by the Federal Government of Nigeria because at various times in his life, he served the country with his strength and might. The various eulogies being poured on Ojukwu from parts of the country, clearly showed that Ojukwu is loved and widely respected in the country.
The Federal Government should preserve Ojukwu’s name in gold by naming one or more public institutions or structures after him.
Let’s shift to the national scene. They key challenge to the nation now is security amongst others. What’s your reading of the situation?
The successful evolution of a nation state comes with many challenges. Nigeria is not an exception. You simply need to look at history. The modern European states went through trials even more extreme than ours. We must not lose faith. The other day, the Nigcomsat 1R was successfully powered into space. Did you notice the general excitement that trailed that event, even presidential elation? Nigerians must raise their gaze; we must renew our collective vision.
We must grapple with our common challenges without necessarily losing faith in the polity. Our difference must not become factors that should separate us or break our brotherhood. Our political leadership must appreciate that expressions of anxiety and concern are genuine. They must manage these feelings with understanding. The citizens must also give the current leadership the benefit of doubt. President Goodluck Jonathan has promised a transformational administration and put a consummate administrator at the head of his economic team. They need time to rebuild a multi-sectorally challenged socio-political and economic environment.