Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday praised the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, for organising a private prayer session and supporting him at the height of his persecution when his principal, Umaru Yar’Adua, was gravely ill.
Jonathan paid this tribute during a service of songs held in honour of the late business mogul by family and friends in Abuja.
The event, which took place at the National Ecumenical Centre, was attended by prominent Nigerians, including former Senate Presidents Adolphus Wabara, Ken Nnamani, and Anyim Pius Anyim.
Others present were the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, as well as senior clerics, other top politicians, diplomats, and members of the public.
Recalling his encounter with the deceased, the former president told the audience that the philanthropist had shown him enormous goodwill and had mentored him politically from the time he became Bayelsa State’s deputy governor.
Jonathan explained that, although a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iwuanyanwu had run for the presidential ticket on three occasions but was unfortunate not to secure it.
He said, “Iwuanyanwu was one of the senior members of the PDP who was solidly behind me throughout my political journey, right from when I was a deputy governor. People may not know this, but it was as though he knew I would rise higher than just a deputy governor. He treated me like a son and mentored me until I became vice president and later president. He was always advising me.
“In those days, the country was in a state of confusion when the then-president (Yar’Adua) was critically ill. Everyone was confused. He and his associates from his zone used to organise prayers for me. So he was very dear to me. Iwuanyanwu was a highly active politician and a senior member of the PDP, which was my party.
“He contested the presidency three times but was unlucky not to win it. Yet, I was like a son to him. When someone passes away, all we can remember is how they lived their life on Earth. Today, we are celebrating someone who did so much for humanity.”
In his tribute, Anyim also shared his thoughts, saying the late politician treated him like a son.
The former Senate President also disclosed that he had the privilege of praying with Iwuanyanwu on his hospital bed before he passed away.
He said, “I have the permission of Senators Wabara and Nnamani to speak on our behalf. Unfortunately, I’m not accustomed to giving long speeches. But let me say, if you leave me with Chief Iwuanyanwu, will I die lonely? This is because whenever he was asked about me, he would always say, ‘He is my boy.’
“I was privileged to be with him when he was ill. He sent for me, and I visited him in his hospital bed and prayed with him. I believe that was the greatest consolation I had. I have lost a father, and the nation has lost an icon.”
On his part, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma stated that the late Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader would be sorely missed in his state and across the entire South East because of his remarkable achievements.
Uzodimma, represented by his deputy governor, Chinyere Ekomaru, stressed that Iwuanyanwu remained an active statesman until his last moments.
“He came into this world and made a huge success of his profession, politics, and religious life. I don’t think we can find such a person again in a thousand years. Above all, he remained humble and polite. He was active until his last moment. We have all gathered to pay tribute to this great man. I don’t believe Imo State will ever be the same without him,” he stated.
