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By Madu Obi
The national chairman of All Progressives Congress, (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has expressed sadness over the death of the elder statesman and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing him as a great icon of national unity.
Iwuanyanwu passed away on July 25, 2024 at the age of 82 years during a brief illness.
In a condolence message through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala, the APC national chairman expressed shock over the passage of Chief Iwuanyanwu, who he described as a father figure, adding that his death was a huge loss not only to his immediate family and the Igbo nation, but to the entire country.
His message read: "Chief Iwuanyanwu was an influential figure with exceptional leadership qualities, uncanny patriotic spirit and an undying dedication to the good of the Igbo nation and all Nigerians.
"His impact on the socio-political and economic landscape of Nigeria are unquantifiable.
"He belonged to the great league of the likes of Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief MKO Abiola as he founded the Champion Newspapers and was owner of several other businesses, entrepreneurial outfits, and philanthropic endeavours.
"As the leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo, he was an exemplary leader on all fronts, both about Igbo interest and Nigeria's wellbeing.
"Even as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, he was not an ethnic leader. He exuded national love and unity till the very last minutes of his life.
"His hands of friendship were always outstretched; he was a visionary and a believer in the Nigerian dream. Our nation will sorely miss him.
"Indeed as I reflect on his life and times, I make bold to say that the great Igbo representational icon of national unity has gone home.
May God give us other worthy Igbo sons and daughters to fill this great void.
"I pray that Almighty Allah grants the family the fortitude to bear this huge loss. Iwuanyanwu was indeed a nationalist in and out".
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