Obasanjo, Ekwueme, Sanusi, others honour Okotie-Eboh

FIFTY years after the death of the late First Republic Finance Minister, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh eminent Nigerians, who gathered to honour him unanimously called for vigilance against the recurrence of the circumstances under which he died.
They also were undivided on the assertion that Okotie-Eboh and his peers gave their best to Nigeria. This was stated yesterday in Lagos at a colloquium and book launch marking the fiftieth anniversary of the death of the former minister, who was killed in a military coup on January 15, 1966.
At the forum, the leadership qualities of the leaders of the First Republic were extolled, just as Nigerians were urged to concentrate on issues that border on national unity.
Dignitaries at the event which was chaired by a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo include former Vice President; Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Delta State governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented by Chief Joseph Otumara; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Mohammadu Sanusi; former Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba; Alhaji Maitam Sule, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Prof Jibril Aminu, Sen Ben Obi  Sen Daisy Danjuma and Mr. Sam Amuka.
Others are Alhaji Ahmed Joda, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was represented by Oba Adedirin, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli represented by Chief Brown Mene, Osemewe of Ondo, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, Pa Akintola Williams,Chief Philip Asiodu Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Gen Martin-Luther Agwai, retd, Admiral Victor Ombu, retd, Prof Jide Osuntokun, Chief Adolo Okotie-Ebboh, Mrs Dere Awosika and Comrade Joseph Eva among others.
In his remarks, Obasanjo said: ‘’Exactly 50 years ago darkness enveloped us. Many of us who were around then were confused. Many of us who were in the military were taken by surprise. Even many of us did not know where to go or what to do. That we are able to gather here today to celebrate his life and the lives of those who died that day, is a testimony that they gave their best. For many of us it was a monumental tragedy.
It was an event that altered the course of history. I have had the opportunity to say that God is a Nigerian. Whatever way you look at it, that event shook the foundation of this country. ‘’I think the only event that shook the foundation of this country was the civil war. That we have those on the political side and civil service, shows how important this event is. In every event, we learn lessons, even if the lesson is “don’t let it happen again”. And if that is the only lesson we learn as a result of the remembrance of Okotie-Eboh, may it never happen again.’’
On her part, Awosika, who is the daughter of the deceased said: ‘’My father was a true Nigerian, who was connected to the Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Yoruba and every tribe. He was a great a man. He brought us up without fears.
My father and Tafewa Balewa were murdered because of Nigeria. They knew there would be a coup, but they remained in the interest of Nigeria. We can’t ask for a better day to put history right. In his time, he made every thing beautiful.’’
Maitama Sule said: ‘’Festus was a leader of every Nigerian. He was a leader of the east, north and west. Festus was the best Minister of Finance in those days. He was flamboyant and very thorough. He was loved by all irrespective of inclination.

 Festus was a man of the people with a fantastic human relations. Festus was responsible for the success of the NCNC/NPC alliance. Festus would even try to mend fences. He was killed while trying to bring peace and unity to Nigeria. Nigeria has been a great country and would remain. We have had many challenges and we did overcome. We will continue to overcome.’’