Igbo leaders have intensified calls for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), stressing its urgency during a service of songs and tribute for the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
At the event, which took place on Saturday in Enugu, speakers highlighted that Iwuanyanwu’s final mission was to secure Kanu’s freedom.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu to honor Iwuanyanwu’s last wish by facilitating Kanu’s release.
Throughout the gathering, Iwuanyanwu was celebrated as a true nationalist, a dedicated patriot, and a symbol of statesmanship.
Attendees urged the Federal Government to immortalise his legacy, citing his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.
The Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, an umbrella body representing Igbo women, also advocated for Kanu’s release and the immortalisation of Iwuanyanwu, whom they described as a detribalised Nigerian.
Lolo Kate Ezeofor, President General of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, expressed, “May God bless President Bola Tinubu as you grant us the immortalisation of Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the release of Nnamdi Kanu from DSS custody.”
Speaking at Iwuanyanwu’s laying in state at the old Eastern Nigeria Government lodge in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State praised him as a towering figure and a unifier.
Mbah described Iwuanyanwu as a trailblazer across various fields, from media to engineering, noting, “He was indeed ahead of his time.”
Former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Egwu commended Iwuanyanwu’s distinguished character, while former Ohanaeze President General Chief Garry Igariwey described him as a steadfast believer in Igboland’s progress, urging President Tinubu to “heed the call and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
Ohanaeze Secretary-General Amb. Okey Emuchay reminisced about Iwuanyanwu’s dedication to sharing his experiences of the Biafra war.
Prof. Uche Azikwe, wife of Nigeria’s first president, also called on the federal government to immortalise Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy.
