By Ken Stanley

A cleric, Dr Ugoprince Onyemaechi, has urged Nigerians to seek peace and reconciliation as they pass through the journey of life.

Onyemaechi, who is with All Brethrens InChrist Assembly, Enugu, gave the admonition during a homily at the burial of Army Master Sgt. Christopher Okigbo (retired) held at Amurri community near Enugu on Saturday.

Okigbo, who is also a community leader, is the father of Mrs Joy Mbachi, the State Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, Anambra.

The cleric noted that “the part of peace is the part of Christ and making Heaven”, adding that “no person, who does not forgive, is fit for His Glorious Kingdom”.

According to him, you must love your neighbour as yourself and one way of doing this is to forgive and reconcile with others.

“No man is an Island. As humans we offend one another in line of our human interaction and relationship.

“Since we are mortals, we do err. We must see it as an imperative to always forgive and seek peace.

“As a Christian and someone with intention of making Heaven, you must stand for peace and reconciliation.

“Do not make any mistake, after death comes judgment. Our work and actions on earth will be judged,” he said.

The cleric appreciated the Nigerian Army for standing by their own notwithstanding the length of time he retired from service.

In a tribute, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said that Okigbo served the nation through the Nigerian Army with passion, patriotism, selflessness and commitment.

Represented by the Commanding Officer, 103 Battalion, Awkunanaw, Maj. Mohammed Abdulrahman, the COAS said, “Okigbo was instrumental to the peace and unity we have today.

“On behalf of the Nigerian Army, we pray that God give his friends, family members, his retired colleagues
and the Nigerian Army in general the fortitude to bear the lost,” Oluyede said.

Responding, Mbachi, nee Okigbo, said that her late father served the nation and Amurri community with steadfastness and commitment.

“It is unfortunate that we lost him when his wisdom and knowledge is needed much. My father, until his demise, remained a teacher, guide and a pillar of strength,” she said.

The son of the deceased, Mr Ugonnia Okigbo, thanked all who attended the burial for their goodwill and sacrifice made to be in Amurri community.

Ugonnia, who spoke on behalf of the family, prayed for blessings and journey mercies for all that attended the burial as well as sound health for their families.

High points of the burial were gunshots salute to the deceased soldier and handing over the Nigeria flag used for the burial to the Okigbo’s family.