Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Prelate of Anglican Communion Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has told the Federal Government to quickly address the continued marginalisation and exclusion of the Igbo race in the scheme of things.
The cleric who gave the advice at the funeral church service of the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said it would be deceptive for Nigeria to mouth peace in the face of prevailing injustice.
He said: “Issues concerning Igbo race must be brought to table and addressed. We can’t expect peace when there is injustice.”
Prelate Ndukuba advised President Bola Tinubu, to convene a constitutional conference to make a new constitution that the people could proudly call their own.
“The best legacy Tinubu can give us is to convene a constitutional conference so Nigerians can have a constitution they can call their own.”
Speaking on the theme: “Serving the purpose of God in our generation,” the Prelate urged leaders to endeavour to serve the purpose of God in their generation.
He described Iwuanyanwu as a courageous and fearless Igbo leader who sacrificed so much in advancing the cause of Ndigbo.
Prelate Ndukuba urged the family to remain united as a way to immortalise their father’s legacies.
“Your father was a leader who showed commitment to whatsoever he believed in; he was a very objective and de-tribalised Nigerian,” he said.
The Prelate who said that Nigerians are not only hungry but angry, challenged leaders to be more responsive to the needs of the masses.
He appealed to Nigeria’s leaders, to as a matter of urgency, address the pains of Nigerians.
“People are not only hungry but angry. We have no reason for any Nigerian to be hungry. It’s annoying that some leaders receive palliative only to go and hide them.”
According to him, what the masses see are different from their expectations.
“What they are seeing is different from what they expect,” he regretted.
He reminded those in leadership positions that “responsibility requires accountability.”
He also urged leaders to invest in youths who he said, are the future of the country.
Calling for investment in the youth, the cleric said “the greatest impactful people in the history of man are those who have lived sacrificially to encourage others.”
He cautioned leaders against ostentatious lifestyle especially at a time many Nigerians are struggling to feed.
Speaking on behalf of South-East Governors, Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, said Iwuanyanwu gave his all for Ndigbo.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died fighting for the cause of Ndigbo. He believed in equity and justice for all.”
Gov. Uzodinma described the late Chief Iwuanyanwu as a selfless builder and a pillar of hope to many.
He said Ndigbo would continue to hold him so dear because of his numerous contributions.
The Governor named the International Conference Centre under construction by his administration after the late Iwuanyanwu as a way to immortalise him.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federal, Senator George Akume, said Iwuanyanwu was a committed and patriotic Nigerian.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was a Nigerian of distinction. He led from the front. He lifted many out of poverty, championed national building and promoted unity.”
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio represented by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said Iwuanyanwu was a trail blazer and a committed Igbo patriot.
He urged the family to uphold his good legacies.
Many dignitaries including two former Senate Presidents – Adolphus Wabara, and Anyim Pius Anyim; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje; and Peter Obi were president at the event.
Others included Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Governor Alex Otti of Abia State; former Military Governor of Old Imo State, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd); and ex-Gov Rochas Okorocha; Reps Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu; Emeka Ihedioha, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, among numerous others.
