Family of Nigeria’s first Head of State, Major General Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, says their late father was a patriotic soldier who devoted his life to the unity and stability of Nigeria.
The family stated this at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia on Wednesday during a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 60th memorial of Maj.-Gen. Ironsi’s assassination.
Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the memorial ceremony was a call for reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and nation-building, and not for reopening old pains and debates.
She said Nigeria’s future should be anchored on justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good of its citizens.
She said, “We have gathered today to mark the 60th anniversary of his martyrdom in active service for the collective good and unity of Nigeria.
“Today, we do not assemble to reopen old debates, nor to magnify historical divisions. Rather, we gather to honour a life committed to the preservation of Nigeria’s unity and the strengthening of state institutions.”
She appealed to the present and future leaders to prioritise national interests above sectional considerations and to choose dialogue over conflict.
President Bola Tinubu was represented at the wreath-laying ceremony by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), while Governor Alex Otti and former Nigerian First Lady, Patience Jonathan also performed the wreath-laying.
