BY TONY EDIKE

ENUGU- PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and governors of the old Eastern region have indicated interest to participate fully in the burial of the former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

The burial date for the late Ikemba Nnewi has been fixed for February 2, according to Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Mr Peter Obi.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after arriving the Akanu Ibiam airport, Enugu with Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca yesterday, the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, said the burial of the elder statesman had generated a lot of interests across the country and beyond.

Umeh said that the burial date was chosen in conjunction with Ojukwu’s family, adding that with the return of Ojukwu’s widow from London, all necessary arrangements for the funeral would commence.

He said: “The governor of Anambra State was mandated to meet with the President on two possible dates, 27th of January or 2nd of February; from the consultation we had with the president, he chose 2nd February. When the President chose 2nd of February, the Governors Forum then announced it.

”The President has shown tremendous interest in the affairs of our leader since the past 18 months, so we have to consult him before this date was officially announced, the date was chosen in conjunction with the family after the short meeting we had in London.

“All the governors from the old Eastern region have indicated interest to participate fully in the burial so also is the Federal Government. As soon as the arrangements are concluded, detailed programmes for mourning  will be announced, people will continue to mourn until we inter him”.

“We just returned from Abuja; from the Airport we are taking her home and from there the family of Ojukwu will take over the arrangements for the burial in consultation with all the interested stakeholder. Now that the widow has returned all arrangements will start with the family.”