* As Abaribe, Peter Obi shine at event
* ‘We disappointed security agencies’ – MASSOB
From Steve Oko, Umuahia
Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has said that the demise of his parents was divinely orchestrated to fast-track the independence of Biafra and freedom to the black race.
Kanu stated this Friday in a funeral oration at the church service in honour of his late father, HRM Eze Israel Kanu, and mother, Lolo Sally Kanu at the Anglican Church Afaraukwu Ibeku Umuahia.
The IPOB Leader whose message at the event was read by his immediate younger brother, Prince Kingsley Kanu said that he was glad that his parents were able to accomplish their divinely assigned role in the struggle to liberate Biafra.
His words : “The seed of universal freedom for our dear nation Biafra they planted will flourish for ever. In future, when history looks back at the times and lives of Papa and Daada, it will record that their union in life, as in death was ordained by heaven to usher in an era of freedom not limited to Biafra alone but will extend to the whole of black Africa even beyond “.
He described his parents as very truthful and honest individuals who imbibed in their children godly values that had tremendously helped in shaping their lives.
Kanu said he would greatly miss his parents but thanked God they led a life of legacy and sacrifice which, according to him, posterity will ever appreciate.
Meanwhile, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South; and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, almost stole the show at the church service as the announcement of their presence elicited thunderous ovation by the mammoth crowd at the hall.
The entire crowd of mourners who filled the church hall to full capacity erupted in joyous celebration as soon as the leader of service introduced the duo, with majority overheard hailing them as “true Igbo leaders “.
In his homily the Bishop of Umuahia Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi described death as a necessary end, and urged people to prepare for it.
In his condolence message, Senator Abaribe said the names of Kanu’s parents could never be erased in the history of Ndigbo.
The Senate Minority Leader condoled with the family and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the pains of losing both parents at the same time.
He commended those who attended the burial for their peaceful conduct, saying the event was very successful.
Similarly, the former Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Victor Umeh described the burial as a huge success.
He said Igbo had a tradition of according befitting burial to their dead.
The former APGA National Chairman expressed joy that the burial was very peaceful contrary to the apprehension in some quarters that it would be rancorous.
He commended the security agencies as well as mourners who attended the event for their peaceful conducts.
However South East Governors were conspicuously absent at the event as non of them showed up.
Later in an interview, Leader of the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Comrade Uchenna Madu also expressed joy that the burial went on peacefully “without any issues “.
He said the security agencies were disappointed as “what they expected did not happen “.
“We knew the security agencies had planned to disrupt the burial and cause mayhem but we have disappointed them.
” We never gave them any opportunity to make us bury more corpses. We resolved that our people should not fly any flag or hold any rally to avoid playing into the hands of the enemies.
” We are resolute that Biafra will be restored without violence and no amount of intimidation or harassment can stop it “.
The MASSOB Leader commended all Igbo sons and daughters who came from all walks of life to identify with the Kanus at the burial.
He was particularly full of praise for Abaribe, Obi and Umeh who he said had demonstrated that they “are truly Igbo leaders”.
“We salute Abaribe, Peter Obi and Victor Ume for coming. Today Ndigbo have known their true leaders”.
The MASSOB Leader, however commended the Abia State Government for awarding a contract for the building of the 500 metre road leading to the late monarch’s palace.
Meanwhile, the burial was generally peaceful and without any incident of violence contrary to initial fears following the war of words between the police and IPOB ahead of the event.
Although there was a substantial presence of the police at the venue, there was no incident of any harassment by them as they conducted themselves in a civil manner.
The police had warned IPOB members to steer clear from the event or be arrested if they dared to show up, while IPOB on its part, vowed to participate in the historic ceremony.
IPOB and Kanu’s family had also asked security agencies to keep off from the burial arguing that their presence was not necessary.
The bodies of the late monarch and his wife were earlier received at the Umuahia North Council headquarters by members of Council of traditional rulers.
Other royal fathers in the LGA paid their last respect to the late monarch and wife before their bodies were taken to Orie Ogwu community square where they were also received by Afaraukwu people.
The remains of the late monarch and wife were later intered in his palace amidst wailing by the mammoth crowd of mourners.
