By Our Reporters

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Gov Hope Uzodimma of Imo state, former Senate President and the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara and other eminent politicians across the country as well as Afenifere socio-cultural group have paid glowing tributes to the late President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who died on Thursday after a brief illness at the age of 82.

Jonathan in a condolence message issued by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze to the entire South East, the government and people of Imo State as well as the deceased family, described late Iwuanyanwu as a genial politician and successful businessman, stressing that he would be missed by many across the country.

The former President also noted that Chief Iwuanwanwu was a cultural enthusiast and a lover of his people who believed in equity and national unity.

I’m deeply pained by Iwuanyanwu’s death, says Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State said he was deeply pained on hearing of the death of the revered Nigerian elder statesman, noting that the deceased’s death has left a void that would be felt across the country.

He wrote: “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Imo State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the people of Ikeduru LGA, Imo State at large, and Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide.

“I am deeply pained since learning of the passing of the revered elder statesman, Aha eji eje mba Ndi’Igbo, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu after a brief illness. His departure leaves a void that will be profoundly felt across Imo State, Igbo land, and Nigeria at large.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was not only an eminent philanthropist and leader but also a true nationalist whose contributions transcended ethnic boundaries.

“His tireless efforts towards national unity and peace were instrumental in ensuring that the government’s efforts in the restoration of peace materialized. 

“He was a guiding light in turbulent times, providing wisdom and expertise that were indispensable. His dedication to the betterment of society and unwavering commitment to the Igbo cause has made Ndi Imo and the entire Igbo community immensely proud.”

The governor added that Iwuanyanwu’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide others in the quest for a peaceful and united Nigeria.

A great icon of national unity — Ganduje

The national chairman of All Progressives Congress, (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje described late Iwuanyanwu as a great icon of national unity. In a condolence message through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala, the APC national chairman said his death was a huge loss not only to his immediate family and the Igbo nation, but to the entire country.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was an influential figure with exceptional leadership qualities, uncanny patriotic spirit and an undying dedication to the good of the Igbo nation and all Nigerians.

“He belonged to the great league of the likes of Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief MKO Abiola as he founded the Champion Newspapers and was owner of several other businesses, entrepreneurial outfits, and philanthropic endeavours.

“Indeed as I reflect on his life and times, I make bold to say that the great Igbo representational icon of national unity has gone home. May God give us other worthy Igbo sons and daughters to fill this great void.”

He lived a meaningful life, left indelible mark — Afenifere

Similarly, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere, described the late Iwuanyanwu as cerebral especially on the issue of inter-cultural relationships.

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi stated that the group had opportunities to interact fairly closely with the late business mogul particularly since his emergence on April 20, 2023 as Ohaneze President-General after Professor George Obiozor. 

According to him, “in the course of the interactions within the context of South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Chief Iwuanyanwu’s love for his people and his patriotic zeal never failed to come out boldly.

“He was cerebral especially when it comes to intercultural relationships. There is no doubt that Chief Iwuanyanwu lived a meaningful life and left an indelible mark.”

Iwuanyanwu, one of mighty Iroko trees from Igboland — Ngige

In the same vein, former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige in a tribute he released from Maryland, USA, described Chief Iwuanyanwu as one of the very mighty Iroko trees produced from Igboland, saying he would be sorely missed by Nigeria and Ndigbo in particular.

According to him, “the death of Chief Iwuanyanwu is a great loss to the nation and Ndigbo who in less than two years, lost in rapid succession, great men and women of immeasurable value, such as Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Guy Ikokwu, Prof. George Obiozor, Prof. Joe Irukwu SAN, Prof. Ben Nwabueze SAN and George Uwechue SAN.

His legacy will continue to inspire the Igbo cause — Gov Nwifuru

Also, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State said, Iwuanyanwu’s legacy will continue to inspire and fuel the Igbo cause.

According to him, “His demise is a monumental loss to the entire Igbo race and our nation Nigeria and his legacy will continue to inspire and fuel the Igbo cause.

“As an elder statesman, he played a significant role in shaping the Igbo history and promoting peaceful coexistence among our diverse ethnic groups.

My political father’s gone — Sen Wabara

Former Senate President and the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara said Iwuanyanwu’s death was the death of his political god-father, recalling the instrumentality of the late elder statesman, business guru and politician in his political trajectory.

“It’s a terrible and irreplaceable loss to N’digbo. I was totally devastated when I heard of the demise of Chief Iwuanyanwu.

“We did not even hear that he was sick. All we heard was his sudden death.

“He has left us when we needed him most to fight the cause of Ndigbo; to fight for the release of Nnamdi Kanu!

“I have looked around, and frankly, I have not seen any Igbo leader that can fit into his shoes now.

“He was a politician but more of an elder statesman who stood for us.

“I lost my biological father in 1987 but now, my political father is gone! Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu made me all that I am today in politics. He made several others.

“He was a man with a large heart and a father to all. May his soul rest in peace. We shall ever miss him.”

Igbo has lost another icon, say Orji, Abaribe

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, who described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a bold and fearless leader, said Ndigbo had lost another icon.

He said that the exit of Iwuanyanwu had created a big vacuum in Igbo leadership, regretting that he left at a time his fatherly wisdom and interventions were needed most.

Similarly, former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described the death of Iwuanyanwu as “a huge loss of a consummate Nigerian patriot who was also a heavyweight intellectually, financially, politically, culturally and socially in Igbo land and the whole of Nigeria.”

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