Iwuanyanwu: Abaribe, Deputy Speaker Mourn 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The  Senator representing Abia South District, at the National Assembly, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has described the death of Elder Statesman and President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a huge loss.

This is even as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, expressed shock and sadness over the death.

Chief Iwuanyanwu’s death was announced by his family  on Thursday, July 25, 2024. He passed at the age of 82 at a hospital in Abuja.

Abaribe in a statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Uchenna Awom, said Iwuanyanwu was a consummate Nigerian patriot who was also a heavyweight intellectually, financially, politically, culturally and socially in Igbo land and the entire Nigeria.

Abaribe expressed sadness over the death of the Igbo leader who he regretted left at a  very crucial time, when he, alongside, other patriots started a process that would enthrone a lasting peace and harmonious relationship in Nigeria, especially in Igboland

“Chief Iwuanyawu was an all- rounder who never glossed over responsibilities that would be beneficial to all irrespective of tribe and or religion.

“Thank you for all you did for our people. We will miss your wise counsel and your focused leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo” Senator Abaribe stated.

The Deputy Speaker in a statement by his Media Adviser, Levinus Nwabughiogu, likened Inwuanyawu’s death to a fallen Iroko tree.

He noted that the late President General of the umbrella body of Ndigbo Worldwide, contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Kalu also recognized the patriotic and philanthropic gestures of Chief Iwuanyawu which he exemplified through the Iwuanyawu National Ambulance that catered for accident victims all over Nigeria, among others.

Rt Hon Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency Abia state similarly, applauded the leadership style of Chief Iwuanyawu at Ohaneze Ndigbo which he noted was aimed at uniting and promoting the socio-political wellbeing of the people of Southeast.

“It is sad news for the people of the South Eastern Region, because Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu remained one of the brightest stars from the region, who actually proved himself in business, political leadership and community leadership.

Chief Iwuanyawu was a great champion who also designed a platform for the voice of  Nigerians, especially, the Igbo ,to be heard using his Champion Newspaper” the Deputy Speaker said.