Obasanjo And Aguiyi Ironsi Are Perfect Together
Adey Oyenuga
>From Paul Odenyi, Abuja
PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday identified his military
hero and role model. He is the late Supreme Commander of
the Armed Forces, and former Head of State, Major General
Johnson Thomas Umuanakwe Aguiyi Ironsi.
Ironsi was the first Nigerian Military general. He assumed power
after a failed coup attempt by young officers on January 15,
1966, but died a few months after in a counter coup.
President Obasanjo made the declaration while receiving a
delegation from Ikwuano-Umuahia, Abia State, who visited him
at the State House, Abuja.
He told the delegation which comprised Aguiyi Ironsi’s widow,
Victoria, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Economic Affairs Minister,
and Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Minister of Transport, that he could
not harbour any bias against the Igbos saying he had distributed
positions fairly to all zones.
He enumerated several actions and accomplishments by him
which he said totally contradicted "this motion of hatred against
the South east."
These include some of the major roads and ring roads which
he built in the South east during his era as a military Head of
State and several appointment, he has made under the present
administration.
The appointments he cited include those of the Transport Minister
from Abia State, Health Minister Dr. Tim Menakaya
(Anambra State) Aviation Minister, Dr. Kemafo Chikwe (Imo
State).
Besides, the president said "the permanent secretary in the
all-important Ministry of Education is of South Eastern origin.
According to him, the virtues of selflessness, hardwork, honesty,
coperation, commitment to a better nation and dedication to
the service of Nigeria would make Nigeria a land flowing with
milk and honey.
He said, if Nigerians imbibed these virtues, good schools,
health facilities, employment, drinking water affordable food
would become available for all.
He called for solidarity prayers and hardwork by all men and
women of goodwill in the country.
-- THE COMET --