Former President Good luck Jonathan has said that Ndigbo, right from the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, have been in the forefront of a desire for a united Nigeria.
He spoke at a lecture organised in celebration of the 80th birthday of elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, by the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Owerri, on Saturday.
The former president said one of the foremost Igbo leaders, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, had exhibited pan-Nigerian and pan-African commitment in his pre-independence speeches, adding that it was the same spirit that Ndigbo of today exhibit in their quest for the unity of Nigeria.
He lauded the entrepreneurial spirit of Ndigbo, which have made them to live freely in every part of the world.
Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, expressed delight over Iwuanyanwu’s sustained relevance and positive impact on Nigerians in the past eight decades.
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 said Iwuanyanwu had continued to place Nigeria’s unity above personal gains and called on politicians aspiring to elective positions to take deliberate steps to whittle down ethnic differences and focus on Nigeria’s unity.
He said, “I have no doubt that Igbo 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.
“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.
“Nigeria as a country should know that we need to review certain things. We cannot become slaves to our challenges; if we work together, we can build a nation where everyone will have sense of belonging.”
The guest lecturer and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Nnia Nwodo, said only restructuring can save Nigeria.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Igbo Quest for Nigeria’s Unity’, he called for devolution of power for a better Nigeria, adding that a restructured Nigeria would give each geo-political zone the 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,” he said.
While lamenting the lopesideness and injustices prevalent in Nigeria, Nwodo said, “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.”
Governor Hope Uzodimma described Iwuanyanwu as a national figure and detribalized Nigerian whose quest for Nigeria’s unity is unquestionable.
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Chris Njoku, said Iwuanyanwu occupied an enviable place in the history of sports, commerce and industry in Nigeria.
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.
A former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara former Military Governor of Imo, Ike Nwachukwu and heads of security agencies in the state also graced the occasion.
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