Igbo leaders have appealed to the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu and immortalize late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in honor of his contributions. Learn more about their requests and its impact on regional relations.
On Saturday, calls for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), echoed during a service of songs and tributes for Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
It has been reported that Kanu continues to be held in DSS custody despite numerous requests from several Igbo leaders seeking a political resolution to the issue.
Several speakers at the Saturday event expressed sorrow that securing Kanu’s release was Iwuanyanwu’s final task before his passing.
They called on President Bola Tinubu to fulfill Iwuanyanwu’s final request by releasing Kanu and also advocated for the immortalization of the late Ohanaeze PG.
The Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, the representative organization for Igbo women, also emphasized two key issues: the release of Kanu and honoring Iwuanyanwu as a Nigerian transcending tribal divisions.
Lolo Kate Ezeofor, the President General and Founder of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, expressed gratitude by saying, “May God bless President Bola Tinubu for honoring our request to immortalize Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and for releasing Nnamadi Kanu from DSS custody.”
During the laying in state ceremony for Iwuanyanwu at the old Eastern Nigeria Government lodge in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State praised the late Ohanaeze President General as an influential figure and a unifying force who strengthened unity during challenging times.
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Mbah praised him, noting his exceptional work ethic and the significant impact he made. Describing him as a pioneer in media, sports, industry, engineering, and aviation sectors, Mbah remarked that he was truly ahead of his time.
In his tribute, Dr. Sam Egwu, the former Governor of Ebonyi State, praised Iwuanyanwu as a remarkable individual with an impressive presence and personality. He acknowledged that Iwuanyanwu’s actions set him apart and defined his character.
Chief Garry Igariwey, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, praised Iwuanyanwu as someone who had immense faith in Igboland and embodied greatness in every aspect.
“We earnestly request Mr. President to heed the appeal and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Igariwey pleaded.
The Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, noted that Iwuanyanwu consistently shared his Biafra experiences and accounts from the civil war.
Prof. Uche Azikiwe, the wife of Nigeria’s first president, urged the federal government to honor Chief Iwuanyanwu by immortalizing him.
