Calls for President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu intensify as a tribute to the late Iwuanyanwu. Discover the latest updates and reactions.
The late leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s memory would be honored if President Bola Tinubu expeditiously mandated the release of Nnamdi Kanu and other unfairly incarcerated Igbo youths.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a civil rights advocacy group, appealed on Friday for unconditional amnesty to be granted by Tinubu to the detained IPOB leader. HURIWA claimed that Iwuanyanwu had been requesting this pardon from Tinubu repeatedly for almost a year.
The incarcerated leader has been languishing in custody under Department of State Services since being forcefully taken and transported back to Nigeria after an abduction carried out with assistance from armed security personnel belonging both Kenya and Nigeria during the previous administration’s tenure- three years ago now.
Tinubu was advised by the rights group to refrain from being callous like his predecessor. The latter refused numerous pleas made by notable Igbo leaders, such as Professor George Obiozor -the then global leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide- and also Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi;
both passed away without success in persuading Muhammadu Buhari-the former President-to release Nnamdi Kanu.If Tinubu were in a similar situation, he should not harden his heart or refuse all requests.
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According to a statement endorsed by Emmanuel Onwubiko, the national coordinator of HURIWA, it has been observed that President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu conveyed his condolences to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on Thursday following his passing.
This expression was documented in a message created and signed off by Ajuri Ngelale, who acts as President Tinubu’s Special Adviser for Media and Publicity; he titled this written offering “President Tinubu Mourns Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.”
Additionally, HURIWA declared that in a statement released on Thursday evening, the family of Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo confirmed his passing. The declaration included part of their announcement which stated “The Iwuanyanwu family from Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State declares the demise of our patriarch.”
On Thursday, July 25th of the year 2024, Chief Iwuanyanwu passed away after a short bout with illness. At the age of eighty-two years old, he had established himself as both an accomplished entrepreneur and esteemed statesman – this was confirmed by his family in their statement regarding his passing.
The rights group noted that the spokesperson for the President, Ngelale, had expressed sympathies on behalf of President Tinubu. In particular, he offered condolences to the Imo State Government, friends and associates of the deceased individual as well as Ndi Igbo regarding this significant loss.
It is affirmed by the President that Chief Iwuanyanwu’s extraordinary legacy will be forever remembered.
Tinubu offered prayers for the peaceful rest of the deceased senior statesman and solace for his loved ones.
HURIWA suggested that in order to prove the sincerity of President’s condolences towards late Iwuanyanwu and assure over 60 million Igbo speaking natives worldwide, urgent action must be taken by the Nigerian government to end economic instability and insecurity plaguing South East. The prolonged detention of Kanu and his supporters during Buhari’s regime fueled this issue further; therefore immediate measures should be implemented without any delay.
The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) praised the late Igbo leader for his unwavering support of human rights, and also commended him for his long-established philanthropic efforts dating back to the 1980s.
According to the group, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was not only a revered nationalist but also an ardent advocate for equity, social justice, equal rights of all citizens and progress in Igbo society’s language, culture, traditions and entrepreneurship. He will always be remembered as one of the most exceptional figures among Igbo men created by God for countless generations to come.
