The Prelate of Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has reminded the political leaders that Nigerians are not only hungry but angry.
This is as he has advocated the convocation of a constitutional conference to deliver a people -oriented constitution for the country.
Ndukuba who spoke while delivering sermon at the St. Matthew Cathedral, Atta Ikeduru Imo State, during the funeral church service in honour of the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said Nigerians are passing through hard times.
He said:”People are not only hungry but angry. We have no reason for any Nigerian to be hungry. It’s annoying that some leaders receive palliative only to go and hide them.
The Prelate also told Nigerian leaders that what the masses see are different from their expectations. “What they are seeing is different from what they expect”, he regretted.
The cleric reminded those in leadership positions that “responsibility requires accountability.”
He also urged leaders to invest in youths who he said, are the future of the country.
“Nigerians are not lazy but ready to compete for the best. The greatest impactful people in the history of man are those who have lived sacrificially to encourage others.” The cleric also cautioned leaders against wasteful living especially at a time many Nigerians are struggling to feed.
He expressed regret that at a time many families are not able to feed twice a day, even some religious leaders are boasting of receiving cars that the cost can feed a community.
The Prelate urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly convene a constitutional conference that would deliver a people -oriented constitution for the country.
“The best legacy Tinubu can give us is to convene a constitutional conference so Nigerians can have a constitution they can call their own.”
The Prelate who spoke on the theme:”Serving the purpose of God in our generation”, urged leaders to strive to serve the purpose of God in their generation.
Prelate Ndukuba who described Iwuanyanwu as a courageous leader who had always spoken out in defense of Ndigbo, urged the family to remain united as it’s the only way to preserve the legacies of their late father.
“Your father was a leader who showed commitment to whatsoever he believed in; he was a very objective and de-tribalised Nigerian
The Prelate further urged the Federal Government to address the injustice against Ndigbo and give them a sense of belonging. “Issues concerning Igbo race must be brought to table and addressed. We can’t expect peace when there is injustice.
Describing Iwuanyanwu as a courageous and fearless leader who stood firm in defense of Ndigbo, the Prelate advised Ohanaeze to shop for a patriotic person as his replacement especially now that “Ndigbo are being treated as second class citizens”.
He also advised leaders against tribalism and ethnicity as well as ill gotten wealth, saying that “prosperity without labour is evil.”
Meanwhile, it was a roll call of who is who in the country at the funeral service as dignitaries from across the country and political divides were in attendance.
Some of the dignitaries were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume who represented President Tinubu; 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje; and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara.
Others included Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Governor Alex Otti of Abia State; former Military Governor of Old Imo State, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd); and ex-Govs Rochas Okorocha, and Emeka Ihedioha both of Imo State.
Former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu; the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko Chukwu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa were also at the event.
Speaking with Vanguard, former Senate President, Wabara, described Iwuanyanwu as a great leader and monumental asset, lamenting that his exit is a huge loss to the Igbo nation.
Senator Wabara noted that the late Iwuanyanwu who he described as his political godfather, was instrumental to the making of many Igbo politicians.
He said the late Ohanaeze PG left enduring legacies and prayed God to comfort members of the immediate family and Ndigbo in general.
Similarly, former Abia Deputy Governor, Dr Oko Chukwu, said Iwuanyanwu was among great Igbo leaders who championed Igbo cause with great passion.
He prayed for the eternal repose of his soul, while urging the family to be consoled by his enduring legacies.
