Demand for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, resounded at the service of songs and tributes for the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Despite ongoing appeals from numerous Igbo leaders for a political resolution, Kanu remains in the custody of the Department of State Services.
At the Saturday event, various speakers expressed that securing Kanu’s release was one of Iwuanyanwu’s final wishes before his passing, according to Daily Post.
Participants urged President Bola Tinubu to honour Iwuanyanwu’s last request by facilitating Kanu’s release and also called for the immortalization of the late Ohanaeze leader.
The Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, a prominent organization of Igbo women, emphasized both issues, advocating for Kanu’s freedom and recognizing Iwuanyanwu’s legacy as a unifying figure.
Lolo Kate Ezeofor, President General and Founder of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, expressed hopes that President Tinubu would grant these requests.
During the laying in state of Iwuanyanwu at the old Eastern Nigeria Government lodge in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State hailed the late leader as an “Iroko” and a bridge-builder who fostered unity during challenging times. Mbah described Iwuanyanwu as a visionary across multiple fields, including media and aviation.
Former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu, praised Iwuanyanwu’s character and achievements, while Chief Garry Igariwey, a former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, highlighted his deep commitment to Igbo culture and values.
Amb. Okey Emuchay, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, reminisced about Iwuanyanwu’s dedication to sharing the Biafra narrative and the history of the civil war. Additionally, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first president, urged the federal government to consider immortalizing Iwuanyanwu.
President General and Founder of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, Lolo Kate Ezeofor said, “May God bless President Bola Tinubu as you oblige us with the immortalizing Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and releasing Nnamadi Kanu from DSS custody.”
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described the late Ohanaeze PG as an Iroko and a bridge builder who festered unity at toubled times.
“He possessed remarkable work ethics and he left profound impression on me. He was a trailblazer in the media, sports, Industry, engineering, aviation. He was indeed ahead of his time,” Mbah eulogised.
Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Garry Igariwey described Iwuanyanwu as a man who believed in Igboland and was great in every sense of greatness.
“We crave the indulgence of that to ask Mr. President to please heed the call and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Igariwey pleaded.
