Whodunit! Gov Obi, Bianca express shock as unknown persons demolish Ojukwu's library

From CHIDI NNADI, EMMA UZOR and GEORGE ONYEJIUWA, Owerri

Widow of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital expressed shock that a monument being erected by the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, to immortalise the name of her husband was brought down by unknown persons. Yet-to-be identified persons had last Saturday while the MASSOB leader was away to Oraifite, Anambra State to attend a burial ceremony sneaked into his (Chief Ralph Uwazuruike) street to reduce the Ojukwu memorial library that had reached roofing level to rubble.

Bianca, who came on a visit with Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, former Information minister, Professor Dora Akunyili and Chairman of South-East traditional rulers, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya said it was unfortunate that some people could conspire to destroy what was set to immortalise the name of her husband. She said Ndigbo should see her late husband as a rallying point and so Ndigbo should protect anything kept to retain his name. Bianca advised those who carried out the demolition to desist from the act, saying those who carried out the act were not working for the interest of Ndigbo.

Also, Governor Obi said he was as shocked as Bianca when he heard about the demolition of the memorial library. Obi, who said he did not believe the story said he decided to come to Owerri to see things for himself, saying it was unfortunate that some people destroyed a structure erected to immortalise the name of the late Ikemba. The governor said the late Ojukwu represented the strength and symbol of the Igbo, saying anybody doing anything to immortalise his name should be encouraged. Obi promised that he would support Uwazuruike to ensure that the demolished library is re-built again.

Speaking, the MASSOB leader said the demolition was the handiwork of anti-Igbo elements. When asked if he knew those behind the pulling down of the building, Uwazuruike said he would not like to mention names, but added that the perpetrators know themselves. Uwazuruike promised that the library project billed to be commissioned next month would continue, vowing that nothing would make him not to complete it.