Owerri Municipality Boss, Emeribe Joins Nigerians to Mourn Iwuanyanwu…says Igbo Nation needs replacement

By Alex Ibeh

As Nigerians all over the World Mourn the exit of a Colossus and Philanthropist par Excellence, Late Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu,Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, the Executive Chairman of Owerri Municipal Council Hon. Chidebere Emeribe was in tune with the grief.

The President of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Worldwide who was Committed to mother earth at his Compound, Umuihim Atta Ikuduru Local government Area of Imo State after a funeral Service at the St. Matthew Cathedral.

Speaking with Newsmen shortly after the Church Service, the new Mayor of Owerri, Hon. Emeribe said the demise was mix feeling.
According to him, the Ahaejiagamba of Igboland was a shinning light and a nationalist who used his position to impact lives and contribute to national development.

While describing the death as a loss to Imo State and Nigeria in general, he noted that it was a celebration of life, having impacted positively to the life of various individuals.

He said: “we need someone who can replace him. We need the younger generation to emulate his legacies. As you can see the Youths are coming up but who is ready to fill his shoes.

This is even as he thanked the Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma for bringing up Youths who will assume leadership positions
in the near future

Earlier during the homily, the Prelate of Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, described Iwuanyanwu as a courageous leader who had always spoken out in defense of Ndigbo, urged the family to remain united as it’s the only way to preserve the legacies of their late father.

The cleric further reminded those in leadership positions that responsibility requires accountability.

Meanwhile, it was a roll call of who is who in the country at the funeral service as dignitaries from across the country and political divides were in attendance.

Some of the dignitaries were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume who represented President Tinubu; 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje; and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

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-Govs Rochas Okorocha, and Emeka Ihedioha both of Imo State.

Former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu; the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko Chukwu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa were also at the event.