Iwuanyanwu, best president Nigeria never had, says NUJ

National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Chris Isiguzo, has described the late elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as the best President Nigeria never had.

Iwuanyanwu, who until his demise on the 25th of July this year, was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and a presidential aspirant of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC).

Isiguzo, who spoke when he received members of the Sen. Ben Obi-led national burial committee for the late icon during a consultative meeting at the NUJ national secretariat in Abuja, described Iwuanyanwu as a patriotic Nigerian who positively impacted the lives of Nigerians.

Recalling how he was shocked upon receiving the news of Iwuanyanwu’s demise, he remarked that the calibre of high-profile persons, both within the country and abroad, who have indicated interest in gracing his internment speaks volumes about his contribution to the socioeconomic development of the country.

Isiguzo, who is also the President of the African Congress of Journalists (ACJ), assured members of the committee of NUJ support aimed at ensuring a befitting burial for the late sports philanthropist, publisher of Champion Newspapers, and business icon.

Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, who led a team of burial committee members to the consultative parley, described Iwuanyanwu as a gift from God to Ndigbo, to the country, and to the world in general, who touched many lives, communities, and sectors in his long and eventful life.

“He invested heavily in nation-building, group cohesion, and the struggle for equity in our national life,” he noted.

He disclosed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Pa Onabanjo, and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd) have indicated interest in joining the South East governors, leaders of the Middle Belt forum, Afenifere, and other dignitaries from across the country to grace the final interment of Iwuanyanwu, scheduled to take place on the 1st of November, 2024.

He thereby expressed gratitude to all Nigerians and well-wishers across the globe and the media for their outpouring of love and support ahead of the burial of the late icon.