*Jonathan, Nwodo Call For Igbo Unity, Extol Iwuanyanwu At 80*
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, has said Igbos do have unflinching faith in one Nigeria.
He said despite the crushing effects of the civil war, Igbos like dry bones, have risen and have maintained unfettered confidence in the nation.
Speaking at special lecture event, as part of activities to mark the 80th birthday of elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, held in Owerri, Saturday, Uzodimma said Igbos love for the nation is unshakeable despite their misrepresentations.
“Ndigbo love Nigeria despite their misrepresentations, but in an inexplicable irony, Igbos feel Nigerians do not reciprocate their love.
“Igbos seek accommodation, not domination.They seek acceptance and not rejection.
“Long before independence, Igbos have played key roles to Nigeria’s unity and have unfettered confidence in Nigeria” he said.
Uzodimma described Chief Iwuanyanwu as an uncommon nationalist, a detrabilized and pan Nigerian, who has spent over 50 years of his life preaching love and a man who wants a fair deal for Igbo nation.
In his keynote address, former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan stated that Igbo nation have always stood for the unity of Nigeria, calling on Igbos to vote for leaders who will always promote the unity of the country.
Jonathan harped on the need to give priority to electing leaders who will whittle down ethnic cleveages.
“We should take charge of our country and elect those who will promote our unity and de emphasize our differences” he stated.
He described Iwuanyanwu as a man of many parts, a role model, a bridge builder who has at all times, taken Nigeria’s unity as a priority.
In his speech, the guest speaker, a former President General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, John Nnia Nwodo, enumerated the resilience and success story of the Igbos at home and in the Diaspora, which he noted has contributed to national development.
He expressed regret that the Igbos have been shortchanged in many aspects of national development, but assured there is still a ray of hope for them
“We can still make Nigeria our country. We should stop brooding. The nation owe Igbo a lot. Iwuanyanwu’s birthday gives us the opportunity to re dedicate ourselves to the unity of Nigeria” Nwodo stated.