The governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has frowned upon the unwholesome attitude exhibited by family members of the late Supreme Court judge, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa over his interment process by turning into a family affair.
The Governor disclosed this in a press statement signed by his senior special assistant, SSA, on media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo.
Mr Onwuemeodo revealed that the governor had given the Oputa family N20 million in preparation for the burial arrangements while waiting for a comprehensive burial programme that could befit the late juristic icon.
The Special adviser further disclosed that the family presented a programme of events that did not measure up to the governor’s standard and what Nigerians would expect.
“The governor expected the family to liaise with him and come up with a burial arrangement or programme that would suit what the late Justice represented in Nigeria and Imo State in particular.
“Reducing the burial arrangement of the late statesman totally to Oputa family affair is unacceptable to Imo State government.
“Imo State government had at the back of its mind that a man of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa’s standard should be accorded a heroic burial because he conquered his world in all spheres, but it is regrettable that the Oputa family does not seem to appreciate what their son or father represented in the Nigeria context,” he said.
The governor also hinted that he had already promised during his visit to late Oputa country home in Oguta when his death was made public that he would assist the family to plan a burial that befits the great jurist.
However, the governor urged the family to remember the great jurist was not a politician and as such should not politicise the burial or making it beyond the required standard as that will be most uncharitable to such a great man.
