From Magnus Eze, Jude Chinedu and Geoffrey Anyanwu (Enugu)
The governor of Enugu State, Chief Peter Mbah has extolled the virtues of the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, saying that he was a quintessential statesman who devoted his life to the pursuit of peace and progress in Igbo land and in Nigeria.
Mbah who was speaking during Day of Tribute organised in honour of the Igbo leader at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu yesterday said Iwuanyanwu was an iroko whose exit will be greatly felt across the country, especially in Igbo land.
His words: “Chief Iwuanyanwu was such an iroko, deeply rooted in our culture. He raised himself, a towering example of generosity, courage and wisdom. Known as a bridge builder, he stretched his hands across communities and creed, fostering unity in our troubled times.
“For me, the sense of loss which the death of Iwuanyanwu evokes, is not such that time will heal. For anyone who has had an encounter with him will attest, Iwuanyanwu possessed a remarkable work ethic and humility that was truly genuine. His love for Ndigbo and strong devotion to Nigeria were not mutually exclusive.
He is indeed proof that you could adore your tribe and country in equal measure.
“In many ways, Chief Iwuanyanwu was a trailblazer. Literally charting the part for the younger generation entrepreneurs and venture capitalists from civil engineering to newspaper publishing. He demonstrated foresight, courage and the definitive can-do-spirit of the Igbo man. His capacity to create was only matched by his capacity to give
Also speaking, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the event, Chief Gary Igariwey Enwo, appealed to Igbo clerics, especially bishops, to pray for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying the last outing Iwuanyanwu had before his exit was to push for the IPOB leader’s freedom.
Noting that the release of Kanu would help in giving the soul of the late Igbo leader a peaceful rest, Enwo urged the clerics to pray fervently for its actualisation.
In the same manner, Secretary of the National Burial Committee and Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Okey Emuchay, said that the Ohanaeze leadership and the Igbo world over were devastated by his death.
Emuchay noted the laudable vision and programmes Iwuanyanwu had lined up for Ndigbo, recalling that his swearing in as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as well as the maiden retreat for Igbo leaders, both took place at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu, venue of the service of songs.
He climaxed his tribute by leading the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to decorate the casket of the late President General with Ohanaeze flag.
Former governor of Ebonyi State, Sen. Sam Egwu and ex-Minister of Women Affairs, Chief Josephine Anenih, also paid tribute to the late Igbo leader.
They stated that his love for Ndigbo and Nigeria was infectious.