By Tony Edike
ENUGU—APEX Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan and those who contributed to the befitting burial accorded the late leader of the defunct Biafran republic, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

In a thank you message addressed to President Jonathan and signed by the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, the association said: “As the din and dust settle after the tumultuous ceremony of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Ikemba Nnewi, Eze Igbo Gburugburu, the magnificent role played by Your Excellency in the course of this unique event loomed large on our national horizon.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on behalf of the entire Igbo nation at home and abroad, expresses its thanks unreservedly to Mr. President, Vice President Namadi Sambo, the National Assembly, state governors, our respected traditional and religious leaders, our gallant Armed Forces, and the good people of our great country Nigeria, for the singular posthumous honour done to a great national hero.”

The Ohanaeze President noted that the unprecedented out-pouring of encomiums throughout the country has finally put paid to any lingering doubts that the effect of the unfortunate civil war still existed in the minds of Nigerians, adding that Ojukwu’s death had sealed national reconciliation in that regard.

He said: “Mr. President, you showed the way to that reconciliation and the nation rallied to your stand. May God continue to bless and strengthen the bond of unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”