Theodore Orji of Abia State on Monday has inaugurated a 13-man committee for Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s burial and charged the committee to assist in giving a befitting burial to the revered Igbo leader.

Orji, who inaugurated the committee in Umuahia, said the committee would organise activities for Ojukwu in Aba before the state joined in other programmes slated to hold in Enugu and Anambra states.

The Ikemba of Nnewi died at a hospital in London on November 26, 2011 and would be buried on Feb. 3, 2012 in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The governor said the participation in the burial ceremony of Ojukwu was a mark of respect to the departed Igbo leader for enduring legacy he left before his death.

“Ojukwu left the legacy that Igboman should be respected no matter wherever you come in contact with him.

“He left the legacy of a Messiah to lead the people out of bondage, out of Egypt like we did here in Abia. He lived like a hero, and a hero must be respected even in death,’’ he said.

He further urged the people of the state to co-operate with the committee, noting, “ respect is being accorded to Ojukwu because of his status as Igbo leader, not as APGA chieftain’’.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Professor Josiah Ogbonnaya, thanked Orji for the opportunity given them to serve, and assured him that everything possible would be done to ensure the team carried out its duties with diligence.