The burial committee for the final burial rites of the elder statesman and former warlord, Col. Joe Achuzia, has strictly warned that display of Biafran flags, placards and uniforms would not be allowed during the burial of the late warlord which commences from 9th April, 2018.
Addressing a press conference Wednesday, in Asaba, Chairman of late Col. Achuzia’s Burial Committee, Ogbueshi Ojiofor Onyia, who announced that the traditional funeral for the former war veteran would commence from the 12th of April, 2018, disclosed that prior to the date, there would be a Night of Tributes in his honour on the 9th of April at a tentative venue of the Sports Club in Enugu State.
According to the committee chairman, while the proper funeral ceremonies commence on Thursday 12th April, 2018, with a wake keep, church services and other activities will take place on Friday 13th April, saying that security was a top priority in the burial arrangement as such no form of demonstration or inciting speeches would be allowed anywhere near the burial ground.
The committee declared that as a typical traditional chief, late Achuzia would be finally laid to rest on Saturday 14th April, 2018 immediately after his body must have been revealed to those who care to see him in the morning of same Saturday.
“This would follow with the traditional Egwu Ota to mark his final journey to the great beyond. The Delta State Government is involved in the burial including the five Eastern Governors. The burial of the elder statesman is a burial of honour and peace; we therefore admonish every group that would be participating to abide by the rules and not use the occasion to propagate inciting agenda.
“Moreover, it is worthy of note to emphasize that while the Col. Achuzia’s burial is a national one, the leadership of Ndi-Igbo has already declared it an Igbo burial, as a result the Ndi-Igbo would be playing prominent role in honour of the man who entirely stood for the Igbo course.” the chairman said.
Our correspondent reports that the veteran soldier, late Col. Joe Achuzia who fought the Nigerian civil war on the side of the Biafra and one of those who initiated an end to the Biafra struggle in the interest of peace, died at the ripe age of 90 years.
Present at the press conference were members of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo as well as Ala Igbo Development Foundation, the Biafra Movement, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star and other organizations.
