Iwuanyanwu an iroko that has fallen in Igbo land, Kalu, Orji, others mourn

Abians, including Senators, and House of Representatives members, have lamented the death of the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

The Abians include Senators Orji Kalu, Enyi Abaribe, Theodore Ahamefule Orji and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ben Kalu.

The Senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly, Kalu expressed sadness over Iwuanyanwu’s demise.

Extolling the virtues of the late elder statesman, Kalu, in a statement, acknowledged the remarkable contributions of the late prominent businessman and politician known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the social, economic, and political development of Nigeria, stressing that the late philanthropist “lived a purposeful life dedicated to the service of humanity”.

”I mourn the demise of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. The late eminent businessman and politician was a patriotic elder statesman and selfless leader, who was passionate about the growth and progress of Nigeria and will be remembered for his good deeds and worthy legacies. He was indeed a man of honour. His demise is a big loss to Nigeria and Ohanaeze in particular.”

Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe in a terse statement through his Media Adviser Uchenna Awom in Abuja on Thursday described Iwuanyanwu as the best among equals,  stating, “The death of Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a huge loss of a consummate Nigerian patriot who was also the best among equals in Igbo land.”

He added that he was saddened by the death of Iwuanyanwu, particularly at this time when he, alongside other patriots, had kick-started a crucial process that would enthrone a lasting peace and harmonious relationship in Nigeria, especially in Igbo land.

“He was a patriot, a consummate lover of our people and a focused progressive who was at the forefront of infrastructural revolution in the Old Imo State and the overall development of our dear country Nigeria. Chief Iwuanyanwu was an all-rounder, who never glossed over responsibilities that would be beneficial to all irrespective of tribe or religion. Thank you for all you did for our people. We will miss your wise counselling and your focused leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo”, Abaribe said.

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Abuja, Kalu described the late Ohanaeze chieftain as an iroko that has fallen in Igbo land. He expressed shock and sadness over the death of Iwuanyanwu.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu noted that Chief Iwuanyanwu contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

While recalling that Iwuanyanwu, through his many business establishments provided employment for many Nigerians, Kalu also recognised the patriotic and philanthropic gestures of Chief Iwuanyanwu which he exemplified through the Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance that catered for accident victims all over Nigeria amongst others.

The deputy speaker also recalled Chief Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to the successful unveiling of the Peace In South East Project in Bende Local Government of Abia State in December 2023, saying that his commitment to the peace and unity of Nigeria was unparalleled.

He said, “It’s sad news for the people of the southeastern region because Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu remained one of the brightest stars from the region, who actually proved himself in business, political leadership and community leadership. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a great champion, who also designed a platform for the voice of Nigerians, especially the Igbos, to be heard using this champion newspaper.

“He was a man of many parts. A man with so many responsibilities which he discharged very well, and I was close to him in the later part of his life. He paid me a visit just a couple of months ago to congratulate me as the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

“One of his requests was for me to work hard alongside the members of the parliament to ensure that their age-old dream of having a development agency known as Southeast Development Commission be a thing that will materialize in his lifetime.

“You’ll be shocked to hear that once the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria assented to that bill, he was the first that I called to share the news with. But he was in a coma. It was his wife that answered and told me that the chief was in a coma. And a day after the assent to his long desire, he passed on. That is to show that he truly, truly loved the Igbo race. We will celebrate him.”

He added that Iwuanyanwu would be greatly missed for his entrepreneurial investments among other things.

“Nigeria is going to miss an entrepreneur who was not afraid to invest in Nigeria while people are carrying their funds and depositing them in foreign accounts, Chief Iwuanyanwu was busy investing in Nigeria and creating jobs to reduce the unemployment queue. That is what we are going to miss. We are going to miss an institution of our history, a man who will tell you the history of Nigeria, especially our southeastern experience from beginning to end.

“We have lost that value that he used to bring when we gather to teach the younger ones where we are coming from and where we need to get. So, those are many more, his philanthropic gestures to Nigerians are going to be missed because he was a selfless man who shared all that he had. So that is what Nigeria is going to miss with his person”, he added.

The immediate past senator representing Abia Central and former governor of the state, Chief Theodore Orji also expressed sadness.

In a statement he signed on Thursday and which was released by his Liaison Officer, Ifeanyi Umere, Orji recognised the contributions made by Chief Iwuanyanwu both in politics, business and humanitarian efforts, and prayed God to give his soul a repose.

Acknowledging the remarkable contributions of the late prominent businessman and politician known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the social, economic, and political development of Nigeria, Orji said he is heartbroken, saying, “I feel for the family, the state, Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.”

Chief Iwuanyanwu’s demise was announced by his family early Thursday morning. He died at the age of 82 after a brief illness.