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Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has restated that the commitment of the Igbo people to the unity of Nigeria remained sacrosanct.
The governor made the remark at a 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.
Uzodimma described Iwuanyanwu as a detribalised strong, lucid and articulate national figure who, even at 80, had continued to demand a united, peaceful Nigeria.
He further described the Igbo as a peace-loving people whose commitment to nationhood was without a doubt, hence their ability to thrive in all parts of the country where they were residents.
The governor 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.
“Ndigbo believes in living and letting live, there is no better way to assert our unity.
We must, therefore, not resort to war in a bid to fight marginalisation. We must eschew violence, and embrace peace and unity.
“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, is without a doubt,” he said.
The Guest Lecturer and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo, described the celebrator 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.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Chapel, Mr Chris Njoku, thanked Iwuanyanwu for coming to the aid of journalists in the state, irrespective of the “tasking nature of the profession”.
