NewsIgbo Occupy Prominent Place In Nigeria's Unity - Jonathan

Igbo Occupy Prominent Place In Nigeria’s Unity – Jonathan

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September 07, (THEWILL) – Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has stated that Igbo occupy a prominent place in the quest for Nigeria’s unity.

He said this at the maiden lecture series organised in honour of elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo Council, in Owerri.

The ex-President, who chaired the occasion, expressed joy over Iwuanyanwu’s sustained relevance and positive impact on Nigerians in the past eight decades.

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Speaking on the theme: “Igbo Quest For Nigeria’s Unity,” he described Iwuanyanwu as a father, role model, and man of many parts, whose enviable track records of excellence, courage, and determination have emboldened the continued quest for a united Nigeria.

He called on politicians aspiring to elective positions to take deliberate steps to whittle down ethnic differences and focus on Nigeria’s unity.

“I have no doubt that Igbos hold an important place in Nigeria’s unity, as they have contributed in no small measures to Nigeria’s success in trade, industry, academics, and sundry areas of endeavour”, he said.

Dr Jonathan continued, “Looking at our political history, the quest for Nigeria’s unity can be achieved and this requires that all stakeholders work in synergy and imbibe the tenets of nationhood above ethnic and religious inclinations, in imitation of Iwuanyanwu.”

Speaking, Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, described Iwuanyanwu as a detribalised, strong, and articulate national figure, who even at 80, had continued to demand a united and peaceful Nigeria.

He further described the Igbos as a peace loving people, whose commitment to nationhood is without a doubt, hence their ability to thrive in all parts of the country where they reside.

He advised Nigerians to embrace peace and eschew all activities capable of jeopardising the country’s unity.

“Iwuanyanwu has stayed strong, lucid, and articulate at 80 because most of his life has been dedicated to service of God and humanity, a reflection of the Igbo quest for Nigeria’s unity, which we, in spite of obvious misrepresentations, continued to uphold.

“We may have our flaws as a race, but a man cannot live in a land he loathes and remain progressive in his business and other endeavours. We love Nigeria dearly and this, without a doubt”, he said.

The Guest Lecturer and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo, described the celebrant as a quintessential model for today’s youths.

He called for devolution of power for a better Nigeria, adding that a restructured Nigeria would give each geo-political zone sovereignty over their production and a sense of belonging.

“No attempt should be made to force Igbos out of political relevance, we are as qualified as other Nigerians and Nigeria needs all of us now.

“We must stop brooding over what has happened to us in the past, we can still make a country. Our industry and acceptability are evidence of our preparedness to serve and our quest for Nigeria’s unity is unswerving”, he said.

Responding, Chief Iwuanyanwu commended the dignitaries and the organisers for honouring him.

He, however, expressed worry over the treatment of the Igbo people in the country and called for a restructured Nigeria to correct the perceived injustices meted on them, such as the creation of more council areas and state police.

The event was attended by representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Arewa Consultative Forum, Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Afenifere, and the Northern Elders Forum.

Also present were former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; former Military Governor of Imo, Ike Nwachukwu, and heads of security agencies in the state.

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