‘A true hero’ — Tinubu eulogises late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu

President Bola Tinubu has eulogised the late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a former president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

He died at 81 in July after a brief illness.

Speaking at a funeral service held in his honour, Tinubu, represented by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said the former Ohaneze president-general preserved the nation’s territorial integrity.

“In his lifetime, Iwuanyanwu dedicated himself and his God-endowed resources in several endeavours to uplifting communities, friends and the underprivileged,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“As a nationalist, Iwuanyanwu championed nation building by promoting unity and harmony among diverse communities, tribes and religious divides.”

The president added that his administration had taken bold economic steps to secure the future of the country.

On his part, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said Iwuanyanwu was “a trail blazer”.

Represented by Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia south, the senate president said as Ohaneze Ndigbo leader, Iwuanyanwu never ignored a national cause to make Nigeria a better place.

“He pursued issues of justice and equity with a nationalistic consciousness,” he said.

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, said Iwuanyanwu died fighting for the cause of “mankind, Igbo people and Nigeria in general”.

“He believed in Nigeria, where Igbo people will thrive in peace, along with other tribes and fellow citizens,” the governor said.

“He was a peacemaker, life saver, selfless leader, a compassionate father, grandfather and husband.”