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• Mourns former PG
From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worlwide has described it’s late former President General, Prof. Joe Irukwu (SAN), as a moral edifice and erudite scholar of world renown.
Irukwu who died at 89 was elected the President -General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 2003, served meritoriously and bowed out in 2007.
Ohanaeze which said the sad news of the demise of Irukwu came to it as a rude shock, further described him as one of Igbo brightest, an accomplished legal luminary, insurance and risk management wizard and Igbo leader.
In a statement issued yesterday by Ohanaeze National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the Igbo apex socio-cultural group noted that “during his incumbency, Irukwu added colour, glamour, zest, robust intellect and panache to the Igbo umbrella socio-cultural organization.
“One of his works- Nation Building and Ethnic Organization: A Case Study of Ohanaeze in Nigeria, published by Spectrum, is an intellectual Magnus opus that fascinated the scholarly community in 2007 as one of the best sellers. In the same year, before the expiration of his tenure, Irukwu led other Igbo leaders to commission a multi-million naira complex comprising of a 1,500 -seater auditorium, library and conference room which he built single-handedly “as part of his own legacy to the Igbo man’s quest for equitable recognition and accommodation in the Nigerian polity.
“One recalls with nostalgia and immense delight, the social skill, wisdom and organizational acumen that Irukwu displayed in the face of the turbulence which was occasioned by the political intrigues that confronted his tenure as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”
Irukwu , Ohanaeze said, showed a remarkable patriotism as a delegate at the National Political Reform Conference in 2005.
“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR (Ahaejiagamba) could not withhold his emotions on hearing the sad news of the demise of the great Iroko, a senior advocate of Nigeria and member of his Presidential Advisory Council (PAC).
“Iwuanyanwu lamented that we have lost a well fulfilled man with a large heart; unassailable friendly finesse and amazing public relations. He added that Professor Irukwu was a quintessence of courage and character whose legacies in Ohanaeze Ndigbo will always be remembered with deep emotional attachments. He lamented that Irukwu has left him when his wise counsel is most needed.
“On behalf the National Executive Committee (NEC) and indeed all the structures of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, we send our condolences to the immediate family, the government and good people of Abia State,” the stated added.
