Pigeons released by Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma refused to fly, at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Owerri, on Friday, January 15
The event took place at Heroes square, Owerri.
The Governor opened the cage containing the pigeons but the birds refused to fly. The Governor threw two of the birds in the air but they refused to fly away.
WATCH VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rG8lfIA8_3c
The ritual is performed annually to commemorate the lives of departed fallen heroes
The video has been circulation online and generated reactions on the social media.
However, this newspaper was informed by an Owerri based veterinary doctor that pigeons can refuse to fly if they are being confined in a cage for a long time.
Speaking at the event, Senator Uzodimma called for a united Nigeria where national integration, national cohesion and national cooperation should be the watch word.
The Governor described the Nigerian Armed Forces as the best in the world.
He said they showcase “committed men and women who are not only energetic and patriotic, but are also fit-looking at their display in their parade performance.”
He reassured the Nigerian Armed Forces that the Imo State Government will continue to support and corporate with them in the discharge of their official duties, and primarily, the protection of the unity of Nigeria.
He described January 15 of every year in Nigeria as a “day of sober reflection meant to remember our brothers who lost their lives in the defense of our dear country as well as a day to remember the end of the ugly Civil War in Nigeria (the Biafrian war) that took the lives of many, but to the glory of God today there is a united Nigeria.”
Governor Uzodimma reassured the widows of the fallen heroes that his Government will not relent in “supporting, encouraging and assisting them in their onerous task of bringing up their families either as single parents or in any way that is possible to enable them overcome their plight.”
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