From Magnus Eze, Enugu
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has thanked Nigerians for the uncommon solidarity with the Igbo during the recently concluded funeral ceremonies of its late President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Iwuanyanwu died at 82 on July 25, 2024 in an Abuja hospital and was buried November 1, at his Ikeduru home in Imo State.
Ohanaeze thanked President Bola Tinubu, for sending a Federal Government delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for sending a Senate delegation led by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Among other numerous dignitaries applauded by the apex Igbo organisation were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his colleague, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe and wife, Amina; Chief Emeka Anyaoku, wife of Nigeria’s first president; Professor Uche Azikiwe; as well as wife Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu; Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.
In a statement by Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okey Emuchay, the group said that it lacked the appropriate words to thank the South East Governors Forum led by Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma. Other members of the Forum include Dr. Alex Otti, (Abia) Professor Charles Soludo, (Anambra), Dr. Peter Mbah, (Enugu) and Francis Nwifuru, (Ebonyi).
Ohanaeze further sent appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State; as well as Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.
The roles played by former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and many others including the traditional rulers, religious leaders, diplomatic missions especially the United States of America, United Kingdom and China, were highly appreciated.
Ohanaeze noted that the members of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum led by elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, had shown an eternal fidelity.
It highlighted the pivotal roles played members of the National Burial Committee led by Sen. Ben Obi, and his deputy, Prince Garry Igariwey.
“It is on record that almost all the sons and daughters of means from Igbo Land travelled from the USA, UK, the far-flung and near to pay their last respects; to them and indeed all the numerous Nigerians whose names, for want of space, cannot be accommodated, we say thank you.
“The press rendered unflinching services from the very day the Igbo leader transited to the day of interment. We are indeed very grateful.
To the wife, children and the immediate family of Chief Iwuanyanwu, we urge them to take solace in the sterling legacies that characterise the Igbo leader, bearing in mind that Ahaejiagamba- a name that, when mentioned, opens the way- lives on,” Ohanaeze stated.