Otti Celebrates Ihejirika at 70 as Tinubu, Military Chiefs, Pay Tributes

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has celebrated the 70th birthday of the Abia born, first Igbo Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika, CFR.

Speaking at the event in Umuahia, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described General Ihejirika as a patriot, Pan-Nigerian, fine gentleman, and a courageous general, who served Nigeria as the Chief of the Army Staff at a very turbulent period in the war against insurgency and proved himself very credibly.

The President, represented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kingsley Ude said that Gen. Ihejirika served Nigeria’s at a very turbulent period in the war against insurgency, noting that the former Chief of Army Staff gave a good account of himself.

He reassured that his administration is committed to protecting Nigerians and called for strength in Nigeria’s diversity.

The President prayed God to continue to keep and grant him good health so that Nigeria would continue to draw from his fountain of experience and knowledge, especially in the determined fight against insecurity.

The host and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the former Chief of Army Staff as a symbol of courage, sacrifice and bravery in his services to Abia and Nigeria at large.

“We appointed him to chair the Abia State Security Council. We appointed him on merit. And he’s doing the job very well. If you are in doubt, go and check what has happened in this State in the last 32 months. Compare it with what happened elsewhere,” Otti stated.

In their goodwill messages, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammad Dambazua , General Alex Ogbomodia among many others noted that Ihejirika’s services contributed to the national security, and urged the residents of the South-East to support the Army in securing the land.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) while applauding Otti for celebrating Ihejirika, saluted his contributions to the security development of Nigeria and wished him a happy birthday.

Responding, the celebrant, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika
thanked God for his life and appreciated Govenor Otti for celebrating him.

The birthday ceremony featured a lecture on “The Role of Leadership in Strengthening National Security and Governance” presented by former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, and the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant flanked by his wife, Mrs Nnenna Ihejirika.