The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Malam Abubakar Malami SAN has described one of the foremost Abia State monarchs, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Isaac Ajonu Ikonne as a rare breed Nigerian, imbued with a great feeling of love for the unity, growth and progress of the country. Malami spoke at the occasion of the 93rd birthday celebration of the Ehi 1 of Aba on Friday January 28 2022, held at the palace of the Royal father on Faulks road in the commercial nerve center of Abia state.
The Attorney General of the federation, who was represented at the event by the former member representing Arochukwu state constituency at the Abia state House of Assembly Honorable Luke Ukara Onyeani (Lukman), noted that Eze Ikonne has all through his life played a pivotal and important role in the preservation of the unity of Nigeria mostly through his bridge building disposition. According to the Chief Law officer of Nigeria, His Royal Majesty’s friends cut across all the geopolitical zones, adding that his detribalized nature has endeared him, to many in the country.
Malami therefore prayed God to grant Eze Ikonne many more years ahead so that Nigeria and Nigerians could continue to benefit from his wise counsel. He thanked God for mercifully granting Eze Ikonne long life, laced with good health.
” You can agree with me that it is not common for people to hit the age of 93years, more so in such a good health like His Majesty. It takes the grace of God for this to happen. So, I am joining his family, friends and other well-wishers to rejoice with him on this very auspicious occasion.”Malami stated.
Meanwhile, the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari had earlier in his address harped on the detribalized attitude of the nonagenarian monarch, as well as his great love for the oneness, progress and development of the country.
Represented by the Honorable Minister of Labour and Productivity and one time Governor of Anambra state Dr Chris Ngige, President Buhari recalled with a deep sense of nostalgia one such moment Eze Ikonne displayed his bridge building disposition by hosting him when he the president came to Aba to campaign in 2015., adding that he agreed to be part of the celebration of the rare occasion of the 93 birthday of the foremost Abia state monarch in appreciation of the statesmanship of the Royal father.
The president noted that the reign of Eze Ikonne has not only brought about peace and development in his domain, but also has engendered, unity and peace in Nigeria as a whole.
The occasion which attracted many dignitaries from all walks of life, as well as across the entire country also saw the conferment of honounary Chieftaincy titles on three eminent Nigerians namely, Malam Abubakar Malami the Justice Minister, Senator Enyinanya Abaribe Senate Minority Leader and Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour.
Malami the non-Igbo among the three, was bestowed with the Title “Ocho Udo 1. of Aba.
