Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Friday, stormed Owerri, Imo State capital, where he held discussion with Ohanaeze leaders at the residence of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The former President who was accompanied by Otunba Oyewole Fasawe held “fruitful deliberation” with the Ohanaeze leaders according to a source at the parley.
Later in an interview with Ikengaonline, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, said “issues of mutual interest” were discussed by the former President and Ohanaeze chieftains at the meeting.
Ambassador Emuchay said the meeting was “very symbolic and crucial.”
According to him, the outcome of the meeting will be appreciated by Ndigbo.
“Issues of mutual interest were discussed. The PG informed Chief Obasanjo that Nigeria should erect monuments in his name for the sacrifices he has made.
“He recalled his role in ending the civil war with the slogan of no victor no vanquished; repayment of huge external debts and recovery of the economy during his time as President.
“He informed the former President that the Igbo nation will bestow honour on him appropriately.
“Remember that when Chief Obasanjo was President, he appointed several Igbo sons and daughters into his cabinet and other high profile positions. A sense of belonging was provided the Igbo nation during that time,” Emuchay said.
Some Igbo leaders and Ohanaeze chieftains at the meeting were Ambassador Emuchay; former Minister for Aviation, Ambassador Kema Chikwe; and Bishop Sunday Onuoha.
Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu; and Chief Tony Ukasanya, were also among dignitaries at the meeting.
Since Iwuanyanwu came on board as Ohanaeze helmsman, he has vigorously championed the Igbo cause including seeking an end to the incessant demolition of shops belonging to Igbo traders in Lagos.
Chief Iwuanyanwu has also been outspoken for the unconditional release of the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as a panacea for the restoration of peace in the South-East.
He has equally advocated the development of South-East as a major industrial hub in the West African sub-region while urging Ndigbo to begin to invest at home.
Chief Iwuanyanwu has equally been making spirited efforts towards uniting the Igbo elite including South-East Governors and other stakeholders.
