By Cajetan Mmuta
The war and patriotic spirit of Nigeria’s war veteran, nonagenarian and elderstatesman, Major General Alexander Attah Madiebo (rtd) was stirred on Friday as he remains were laid to the mother Earth in Itukwu Umuokpu community in Awka South Local government area of Anambra state.
This is as the Federal government abandoned the late sage, author and leader even in death as no official of government was present or represented during the burial.
Although, the Itukwu community was agog with the presence of cream de la cream of eminent personalities drawn from far and near including officers of the Nigeria Army, contemporaries of the deceased who are retired Biafran warlords, community leaders, groups and others who converged on to the area to pay their last test to the departed.
There was heavy presence of stern looking soldiers and other military personnel.
Give Armoured Tankers were stationed strategically along Amawbia – Umuokpu old leading road to Onitsha commercial town.
Recall that late Madiebo was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigeria Army and had fought on the side of the Biafra during the 30 months (1967-1970) civil war.
He retired as a Major General and died June 3rd 2022 at the age of 90 years.
A funeral church service was held in his honour at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church Umuokpu community which attached several pastors and the faithful.
Speaking beside the graveside of the late war veteran, Brigadier General Chika Arinze Ebenebe (rtd) on behalf of the soldiers extolled the virtues and contributions of General Madiebo, describing him as an infallible voice whose Gallantry and ingenuity galvanized his team to manufacture Ogbunigwe (massive killer) bomb during the Nogeria-Boafran war.
He noted that the late Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu, Colonel Achuzie and other popular warlords who paid the costly price during the infamous war were waiting for his arrival in heaven to continue with the spirit of solidarity and comradeship that kept them together while alive.
He said that Madiebo was not only a galant soldier but a great offer who was a morale booster to the Army even as he lauded his leadership and fatherly roles as well as a community leader and a patriot.
“We remember the role his colleagues in the Engineering Department of the Army which was drawn from the University of Nigeria Nsukka who produced the Ogbunigwe bomb and the Ojukwu Bucket as well as the Biafran Aircraft known as the Biafran Baby.”
“You lived a fulfiled life and died at the age of ninety which is an indication that you lived well; he said.
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“He was a galant soldier who is not only fearless but a morale booster to all the officers and men of the Army and during the Biafran War , he was able to assemble and organize the Army as a General in the field.”
“The likes of your colleagues in the Army are waiting to receive you there and our General late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu has already reserved your rightful place as one of his military General to continue with your routine military service,” Gen. Arinze stated.
The late Madiebo was the COC of the the defunct Biafran Army and worked closely with Late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who was the then Head Of State of the Biafra Republic.
However, investigations during the funeral church service and reception ceremony at the family house at Umuokpu showed that there was no confirmation of any person or group of persons sent as delegation by the federal government at the burial event.
The Anambra state government was represented by Dr Alex Obiogbolu who is the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo and the Deputy Speaker Mr Paschal Agbodike who also represented the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okafor.
Also, Col Martins Azuka Igwe (rtd) said that Madiebo was a consumate combatant soldiers who led by example life in all operations, pointing out that the Army would forever remember him.
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On his part, Dr Alex Obiogbolu told newsmen that Madiebo is an icon and a solder who lived a good life, stressing that this is a life that should be emulated by the younger generation.
He noted that paying the last respect to men and women of such caliber goes a along way to encouraging the younger generation to render services to the society.
Deputy Speaker, Hon. Paschal Agbodike said that Madiebo is like a father to the modern day generation.
He stated that if not for the success stories of the state government on the war against insecurity, a funeral of this nature would not have been possible.
Several other speakers including the clergies had prayed God to grant the departed a peaceful rest because of his outstanding contributions to his fatherland, the community and the state.
