Jidechukwu Iwuanyanwu, the eldest son of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has disclosed the physical and emotional toll his father endured during his final visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Speaking in Owerri at his late father’s office, the Glass House, Jidechukwu recounted how the elder statesman was made to trek for over 20 minutes to meet with Kanu due to DSS-imposed restrictions.
According to him, despite his advanced age and health challenges, Iwuanyanwu remained resolute in his mission to see the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
My dad’s last outing was to the DSS facility to see Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. They did not allow him to drive into the facility, so he was forced to walk for over 20 minutes to reach Kanu. Despite the strain, he was determined to speak with him. It was a father-son moment as they shared heartfelt discussions.
However, after returning home, my father complained about his heart and went to rest. The next morning, he fell critically ill and was rushed to the hospital, where he remained until his death,” Jidechukwu revealed.
He described his father as a relentless advocate for peace, equity, and justice. Even from his hospital bed, the late Iwuanyanwu continued pushing for Kanu’s release and the establishment of the South East Development Commission, which he believed would drive progress in Ala Igbo and beyond.
Jidechukwu urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honor his father’s final wishes by ensuring Kanu’s release. He called on the Federal Government to adopt a political solution to Kanu’s case, emphasizing the need for fairness, equity, and justice to promote peace in the South East.
“My father was a man of peace who devoted his life to the betterment of Ndigbo and Nigeria as a whole. His efforts as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo were geared towards fostering development and unity. His businesses employed Nigerians from all regions, reflecting his belief in a united Nigeria,” Jidechukwu said.
He stressed that Kanu’s release would help address the ongoing unrest in the South East, including the Monday sit-at-home protests that have crippled economic activities in the region.
“As Mazi Nnamdi Kanu appears in court tomorrow, I urge the Federal Government to not let my father’s death be in vain. Granting his wish by releasing Kanu will not only honor his legacy but also bring much-needed peace to our nation and the Igbo people,” he added.