Jide Iwuanyanwu, son of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has disclosed his father’s final wish before his passing.
The former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo passed away at the age of 82 on July 24, 2024, and was laid to rest on November 2, 2024.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Jide expressed gratitude to the government for its support during the burial. He revealed that his father’s last trip was to Abuja, where he visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
During the visit, Chief Iwuanyanwu was reportedly not allowed to be driven into the DSS premises and had to walk in to see Kanu.
“While at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, where Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being held, the security operatives at the gate denied him entry by car. They insisted he could only proceed on foot, and he complied,” Jide recounted.
Shortly after returning home from the visit, Chief Iwuanyanwu collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away.
Jide urged the government to honor his father’s final wish by releasing Kanu, emphasizing that such a move would help restore peace, revive businesses, end the Monday sit-at-home protests, and improve conditions in the South East.
He also appreciated Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for engaging with his father on issues concerning Kanu’s release and the establishment of the South East Development Commission.
While thanking President Bola Tinubu for approving the commission, Jide appealed to him to consider granting Kanu’s release as a way of honoring his father’s legacy.