‘He was a committed nationalist,’ says President Tinubu in funeral tribute to Iwuanyanwu
Prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, on Friday paid tributes to the late President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, at a funeral service in his honour.
Dignitaries converged on the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew, Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo for the church service.
President Tinubu described Iwuanyanwu as a “true hero, visionary leader and committed nationalist,” who distinguished himself preserving the nation’s territorial integrity.
“In his lifetime, Iwuanyanwu dedicated himself and his God-endowed resources in several endeavours to uplifting communities, friends and the underprivileged.
“As a nationalist, Iwuanyanwu championed nation building by promoting unity and harmony among diverse communities, tribes and religious divides,” Tinubu stated.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, Tinubu commiserated with the family of the late icon, describing his death as “a colossal loss to the nation”.
He further said that Iwuanyanwu’s leadership as the 11th President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo was signposted by general acceptability, collaboration and unity.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said Iwuanyanwu recorded outstanding successes in the facets of business, politics, social and economic investments.
Represented by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Akpabio said Iwuanyanwu “pursued issues of justice and equity with a nationalistic consciousness.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, in his remarks commended governors of the South-East for their contributions towards the burial of the late business mogul.
Uzodimma said, “He believed in a united and peaceful Nigeria, where justice and equity reigned. He believed in Nigeria, where Igbo people will thrive in peace, along with other tribes and fellow citizens.
“He was a peace maker, life saver, selfless leader, a compassionate father, grandfather and husband,” Uzodimma said.
The governor renamed the new ultramodern International Conference Centre after the late nationalist, as part of the initiatives to immortalise him.
Dignitaries at the service included Gov. Alex Otti of Abia and his Enugu State counterpart, Gov. Peter Mbah. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan.
Others were the National Secretary of PDP, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, former Governors of Imo – Emeka Ihedioha, Achike Udenwa, and Sen. Rochas Okorocha.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Imo, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru, Secretary-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Okey Emuchay, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.).
Also present were Sen. Osita Izunaso, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, Deputy Governors of Anambra and Ebonyi, traditional and religious leaders, amongst others.
