Group Wants Public Holiday In Honour Of Azikiwe

A forum of journalists from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria, Izunnwanne, has called on the Federal Government to declare November 16 as a public holiday in honour of the first indigenous President of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe.
The late Azikiwe also the Owelle of Onitsha, a traditional chieftaincy position in the kingdom was born on November 16, 1904. Nigeria also attained the status of a republic on November 16, 1963.
The group in a letter it sent to the Southeast Governors’ Forum, signed by its Chairman, Sir Abuchi Anuenyiagu, and Secretary, Mr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke, laid a historical background to its call to honour the legendary late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
According to the body, “Nigeria attained the status of a republic on November 16, 1963, and this coincides with the birthday of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“It is a known fact that Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, as President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was instrumental to the inauguration of November 16 as Nigeria’s Republic Day.
“The concept is to make that day a National Day. It is regrettable that 57 years after, the significant historical omission has yet to be addressed.’’
The group added that there was a need to honour Azikiwe, saying that he remains the symbol of Nigeria’s Nationhood, considering his leading role in the pre-independence struggle for self-rule by Nigeria.
“His initiative to end the civil war, and his great ideas and liberal ideals that never discriminated against any Nigerian tribe is worthy of honour”.