By Ken Afor
Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday paid a visit to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, at his residence in Owerri, Imo State.
During the meeting, the former President engaged in discussions with the leaders of Ohanaeze, focusing on matters of mutual interest.
Ambassador Okey Emuchay, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, shared insights on the outcome of the visit with journalists, highlighting the importance of the discussions held between the former President and the Ohanaeze chieftains.
The meeting held great significance and importance, as stated by the Ohanaeze Chief Scribe. Fruitful discussions took place, although he chose not to disclose the specifics of the courtesy visit.
Nevertheless, he assured that the results of the meeting would soon be acknowledged and valued by the Ndigbo community.
His words, ”Issues of mutual interest were discussed. The PG informed Chief Obasanjo that Nigeria should erect monuments in his name for the sacrifices he has made.
” He recalled his role in ending the civil war with the slogan of no victor no vanquished; repayment of huge external debts and recovery of the economy during his time as President.
“He informed the former President that the Igbo nation will bestow honour on him appropriately.
“Remember that when Chief Obasanjo was President, he appointed several Igbo sons and daughters into his cabinet and other high profile positions. A sense of belonging was provided to the Igbo nation during that time”.
The meeting was attended by the former President, accompanied by Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.
Also present were Ambassador Emuchay, former Minister for Aviation, Amb Kema Chikwe, and Bishop Sunday Onuoha, among other Igbo leaders and Ohanaeze chieftains. Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu and Chief Tony Ukasanya were also among the dignitaries in attendance.
Chief Iwuanyanwu has been a strong advocate for the Igbo cause, including efforts to stop the frequent demolition of shops owned by Igbo traders in Lagos and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The President General of Ohanaeze has also emphasized the importance of transforming the South East into a prominent industrial center within the West African sub-region.
Additionally, he has urged the Igbo people to initiate investments within their homeland.
In the midst of this, the visit occurs during a period marked by an ongoing public outcry of marginalization from the Ndigbo community.
Additionally, notable figures from the region have repeatedly implored the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who remains in detention since 2021 despite a court order for his release.
