Federal government has been called to immortalize the premier of defunct eastern Nigeria, Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara and former military head of state, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi for their sacrifices to the country.
The Oparaukwu Ibeku, who is a national caucus member of All Progressive Congress, APC, Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo made the call when he paid condolence visits to commiserate with both families at Umuegwu Okpuala Ohuhu and Ohokobe both in Umuahia North LGA following the Denise of the former first ladies, Adanma Okpara and Noble lady Victoria Aguiri-Ironsi.
Apugo who described the two women as great Amazon’s of their time,
who contributed to the development of their communities and also kept the good image of their families since their prominent husband’s exited.
According to him, it will be difficult to get women in Abia State that will attain to their heights and urged both families to take solace in God bearing in mind that Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia state and Nigeria in general have lost women of impeccable characters.
He added that he will personally contribute to ensure that the first ladies would be given befitting burials, apart from what Ibeku as a clan will do.
In their separate speeches, Chief Uzodinmna Okpara and former minister of Defense, Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi appreciated Prince Benjamin Apugo for identifying with them.
While promising to work with relevant authorities to give their mothers befitting burials, Chief Uzodinmna Okpara told National Watch that his mother died at the age of 99 years and not 97, as wisely reported
Chief Uzodinmna said he is missing the mother because he enjoyed the bond that mother’s and their sons have in common.
According to him,”the mother gave massive support to his father, Dr Michael Okpara who ran one of the fasted economy in the world”.
Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi and Chief Uzodinmna Okpara, however, expressed their gratitude to the man holding the custodian of Ibeku, Prince Benjamin Apugo for coming to console with their families.