Iwuanyanwu, Jonathan and Uzodimma at the 80th Lecture to mark Chief Iwuanyanwu in Owerri, Sept. 3
By Amby Uneze
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has restated that the Igbos have remained in the fore front of Nigeria's unity and development since independence, adding that it they deserve recognition.
Speaking as the Chairman of an event marking the 80th birthday of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu organized by members of the Correspondents' Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State chapter, Jonathan expressed delight of joining political associates and friends of Chief Iwuanyanwu who he described as his "father and man of many parts, a role model and meticulous businessman."
He said that Iwuanyanwu has contributed immensely to the progress, development and unity of the country.
He described the topic as very apt especially as Nigeria is currently facing so many challenges. Citing quotes from the former four great leaders of the country; Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa and Ahmadu Bello, Jonathan stated that it showed that from the beginning, Igbos stood for the unity of Nigeria.
"The Igbos hold an important place in the history of Nigeria; they have made enormous contributions to the progress of our country, primarily through trade and investment.
"They are known to be excellent industrialists and entrepreneurs and scholars. They epitomize resilience amid adversity and fortitude in times of despair; these are the virtues we need to emphasize now more than ever, given our nation’s challenges," he stated.
Jonathan said that the incoming elections should not be geared towards dividing the unity of the country.
In his remarks, the guest lectuer, Chief Nnia Nwodo, observed that the humility of former President Goodluck Jonathan was the reason Nigeria did not go to war in 2015 when he willingly handed over power to Buhari.
Nwodo said that Iwuanyanwu remained a collossus having contributed to the economic, social and political development of the country. He said that Igbos no doubt dominated the overall sector of the economy, be it in trade, economy, sports, entertainment industry, oil and gas, education, computer wizardry, international engagement, etc.
"We have lost Igbos in Diaspora as most of our Diasporans are well-to-do in their various countries of habitation, thereby denying their fatherland because of marginalization of the Igbo.
Iwuanyanwu gave his all, abandoned his wife to defend his fatherland during the Nigeria - Biafra war," he said.
Governor Hope Uzodimma in his welcome address stated that Iwuanyanwu who has dedicated most of his life to the service of God and humanity has to be eulogized, describing him as a man that regard Nigeria as his constituency and therefore requires commendation from Nigerians.
He observed that Igbos love Nigeria more than the other regions, hence Igbos are in every part of the country contributing their quota to national unity and development.
According to him, Zik of Africa, an Igbo man as well as Chief Iwuanyanwu were examples of Igbo leaders that brought unity and development to Nigeria.
He also observed that Igbos have the highest population in any city of the country outside their hosts.
On the poor outing of Igbo politicians who aspired for the presidency of Nigeria in 2023 election, the governor blamed lack of unity, intolerance among the political leaders of the Igbo, as the cause of their poor showing.
However, he called for national peace among the regions of the country in order to remain proud Nigeria.
Shola Ebiseni, Secretary General of Afenifere on behalf it's President General, Ayo Adebanjo observed that Nigerian constitution made it impossibly for Igbo not to be president of Nigeria because of the flaws in the Local government creation. "There is no way such marginalization can remain so."
The ceremony was graced by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Afenifere, Arewa, PANDEF, and Middle Belt Forum. Other dignitaries include, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, Senator Adolphus Wagbara, Chief Mike Okilo, traditional rulers and many others.
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