The first head of state of Nigeria, Major General Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, was a patriotic soldier who lived his life fighting for Nigeria’s unification and stability, according to his family.
During a wreath-laying ceremony to honour the 60th memorial of Maj.-Gen. Ironsi’s death, the family made this statement at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia on Wednesday.
The family, represented by Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, emphasised that the purpose of the memorial service was not to revive old grudges and arguments but rather to call for healing, harmonious living, and the development of a nation.
She argues that the future of Nigeria should be built on principles of fairness, responsibility, order, and the welfare of all its inhabitants.
On this, the 60th anniversary of his sacrifice for the sake of Nigeria’s unity and the common good, we meet here to commemorate his sacrifice.
“we are not here today to amplify historical divisions or rehash old arguments. “Our purpose here is to pay tribute to someone who dedicated their life to ensuring the unity of Nigeria and bolstering the state’s institutions,” Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi stated.
She begged leaders both old and new to put nationalism ahead of party politics and to choose compromise over confrontation.
General Christopher Musa (Rtd), Minister of Defence, represented President Bola Tinubu at the wreath-laying ceremony; Governor Alex Otti, former Nigerian First Lady Patience Jonathan, and others also laid wreaths.