Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; the chief of general staff under the General Ibrahim Babangida administration, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe; leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization; Ayo Adebanjo are among dignitaries expected at the final burial of president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, on November 1.
Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Senator Ben Obi, disclosed this at a press conference on the internment of the deceased Igbo leader in Abuja yesterday.
Represented by the chairman of the media and publicity sub-committee, Professor Okey Ikechukwu, Senator Obi said they got assurances of Obasanjo and the other leaders to pay the final respects to the late ‘Ahaejiagamba’ during the committee’s visits, adding that they were still engaging the federal government on the burial.
“After the announcement, the national burial committee has been going round the country, meeting with stakeholders and consulting with regional groups like PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum. So the most recent one was yesterday, we meet the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and not only did he receive the committee well, he promised that he will be in Owerri at the very day of the burial, he will also be there for the commemorative service.
“Then Chief Ayo Adebanjo also received the delegation and the letter was delivered to him. We also believe he will be around. The delegation also went to Ukigwe who was CGS to Babangida before Aikomu. So these are the latest in the series of engagements and is going on all over the country,” he said.
Obi said, the South East governors at a meeting on Thursday, reaffirmed their resolve to give the deceased Igbo leader the befitting and dignified exit rites he deserves,
in addition to the support of national stakeholders and a diaspora community that is currently organising and projecting other activities in honour of Ahaejiagamba.
The committee also disclose that the funeral programme will commence on October 16 with a day of tributes in Lagos, at Wko Hotel and Suites; October 18, a day of tributes will be held in Abuja, at the National Ecumenical Centre; on October 26.
It said Iwuanyanwu’s body would arrive Enugu, en-route Owerri with a grand reception first at the Ohaneze headquarters and then tributes at the Micheal Okpara Square while the climax of the funeral rites will take place on October 29 with commendation service and interment on November 1.
“In line with Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy of unity, the committee is ensuring that all events are inclusive, dignified, and accessible to all who wish to pay their last respects. We appreciate the continued support and ask for your prayers as we honour a great man who has left an indelible mark on our nation.”
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