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The former governor of CBN, Prof. Charles Soludo on Thursday called on Nigerians to the follow the footsteps of the nation's past heroes by striving toward true federalism.
Soludo made the call in Abuja during a public presentation of a book titled: ``Ojukwu, the Rebel I Served’’ written by Uche Ezechukwu, a journalist.
``We should remember our legends for their contributions as the labour of our past heroes should not be in vain.
``Ojukwu lived and struggled for a new Nigeria and today, those same issues for which he fought and died still remain right on the table.
``We must use Ojukwu as a metaphor for what he fought for until the country achieves true federalism,’’ he said.
Soludo said that Ojukwu would be remembered as an icon who had made tremendous contributions toward nation-building.
The Chairman of All People Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Victor Umeh said that the only way to guarantee the survival of Nigeria was to have a national conference that would address the problems of the country.
`` We must look at those national issues very passionately and make concessions that would allow peace to prevail in the country.
``Security is a threat to development anywhere in the world, if Nigeria continues to move at the level of insecurity occasioned by the grievance of people, then nobody should expect development.
``What we need to do first is to resolve those issues that threaten the existence of the country and from there we can plan for the development of the country,’’ he said.
Umeh said that Ojukwu exhibited exceptional qualities such as selflessness, courage of conviction and fought against injustice in the country.
Reviewing the book, the Secretary-General of Abuja Writers' Forum, Mr Tunji Ajibade described the book as a repository of knowledge and historical facts that would help in no small way to awaken national consciousness and patriotism.
He commended the author for taking pains to piece together bits of information that would assist the nation in finding its bearings at a critical time of its existence.
The author of the book, Ezechukwu said that the legacies bequeathed by past Nigerian leaders should be well documented for posterity.
He said that they had foresight and yearned for unity while pursuing those ideals that could make Nigeria great.
He said that he was motivated to write the book by the need to reveal those things that were hitherto unknown about the late Ojukwu.
``I was close to him and in my book I revealed my impression of Ojukwu’s leadership and his sojourn in the military, ’’ Ezechukwu said.
