By Sam Amadi
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was many things to many people: philanthropist, political godfather, Igbo leader, renowned engineer, successful businessman and great community leader.
I first saw him with the eyes of childhood when my late uncle, the foremost Educationist and politician, Dr Nnana Ukegbu, launched his historic private university, TEDEM University. Iwuanyanwu was the special guest of honor. He spoke so well about his reverence for Dr Ukegbu and of his own enterprise as a young engineer pioneering engineering construction at a time there were few local companies engaged in such work.
By then, at a young age he had become a national icon, competing with the likes of MKO Abiola as Nigeria’s business leaders. Just like MKO, he invested heavily in media and sports, and guaranteed himself national acclaim.
He engaged in politics, ran for presidential primary, but never got elected into political office but ended up being a political godfather to many.
Later in life, he retired to community leadership and contributed a lot to Igbo causes which made him a natural choice as President General of Ohanaeze to complete the tenure of the deceased Prof George Obiozor. Just like Obiozor, he has left us without completing the tenure.
My real recollection of Iwuanyanwu is when I attended meetings as part of the strategy team of Owerri Peoples Assembly which he led. I always marveled at his energy level. At his age and weight he was extremely active and intellectually engaged. With all my mental and physical energies and activity, I always felt inadequate when I considered how Chief Iwuanyanwu at his age and weight would be extremely alert for hours during such meetings. He chaired the meetings and dominated proceedings. He would make great arguments and intensely interrogate other people’s views.
It is amazing how he continued to apply himself in serious matters of Nigerian and Igbo development. He really cared till the end.
Iwuanyanwu lived a busy life. I have met him in many conferences in Abuja where he obliged younger folks the honour of gracing their events. When I was the keynote speaker at the presidential inauguration of the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr Wudil, he was a special guest and stayed through the event. Engineer Wudil called me this evening and expressed a deep sense of loss because of Chief Iwuanyanwu’s untiring support to young engineers and the NSE.
I do not agree with Chief Iwuanyanwu’s political acts and ideas. But I have the deepest respect for his humanity. He was luminous and expansive in his service to our people. I will continue to respect that unusual energy and commitment to thoughts and actions, whether I agree with them or not.
May God console the family. We will miss him.
Dr Sam Amadi, a lawyer and former Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), is the coordinator of Abuja School of Social and political thought
