•Late Iwuanyanwu
The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention, has been described as one of the last wishes of the late President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. David O. C. Onuoha, stated this during the service of song, in honour of Iwuanyanwu, reports Saturday Vanguard.
Onuoha said: “Those close to Chief Iwuanyanwu, in his last days, would have realized that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whom he fondly called my son, was one thing he worked very hard to secure.
“Now that he has gone, our political, traditional, religious, business, academic leaders and other sections of Igbo elite, should join forces to secure the release of this prisoner of conscience.
“It is sad, unfortunate and embarrassing that this young man is still languishing in detention against a number of court rulings. It is only a person of Igbo extraction that can suffer this way in Nigeria.
“Here lies a true Nigerian, whose benevolence in youth development through scholarship, sports and employment did not have room for ethno/religious bias, sentiment or discrimination.
“This great man lying motionless here, deserves to be honoured even at death. I call on youths in Igbo land, to endeavour to honour Ahaejiagamba, like he was fondly called, who loved them dearly and created opportunities for them while alive.
“Ensuring the return of peace and end to destruction of lives and property across the length and breath of Ala Igbo is the best way of respecting him because he earnestly desired for this while he was with us.
“Again, it was his wish that Ala Igbo becomes the choice destination in development, commerce and industry. Our captains of industry, political leaders and other prominent Igbo sons and daughters should come together and brainstorm on how to make this happen.
“We are here celebrating the life of a true Igbo man who did not hide his love and pride for his people.
“When business men from other parts of the country were promoting their regions with the establishment of newspapers, he immediately rose to the occasion. So also with football club and airlines.
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Back here in Imo state, he identified himself with everything noble, progressive and beneficial. Blood bank, iconic building, airport etc. bear his imprimatur.”
On Iwuanyanwu’s activities in the church, Archbishop Onuoha said: “He was a Nehemiah, who used his resources to advance the work of God. It is on record that he personally funded the building of this great Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, CATOL, up to 80 percent and later took up that of his home diocese from the sub structure and delivered an imposing place of worship of the Almighty God.
“We are not surprised therefore that Ahaejiagamba remained relevant in the scheme of things in this country for more than five decades, a record only very few Nigerians can claim.
“We must one day give account of what we did with the opportunities, positions, resources, talents and endowments that God gave to us while we were on this planet.
“We must all remember that if by our actions or inactions children of God suffer deprivations, injustice, lack, pain or sorrow, it will be terrible for us on the day we go the way everyone must someday go.”
