By CHARLES IWUOHA

Demand for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, reverberated on Saturday at the service of songs/tributes for the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

News Express reports that Kanu has remained in DSS custody despite pleas from several Igbo leaders for a political solution to the problem.

Various speakers at the Saturday event lamented that the release of Kanu was Iwuanyanwu?s last assignment from where he passed away.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to give Iwuanyanwu his last wish by releasing Kanu, just as they sought for the immortalisation of the late Ohanaeze PG.

The Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, the umbrella body of Igbo Women, also stressed on the two issues of the release of Kanu and for the immortalization of Iwuanyanwu as a detribalised Nigerian.

President General and Founder of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, Lolo Kate Ezeofor said, ?May God bless President Bola Tinubu as you oblige us with the immortalizing Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and releasing Nnamadi Kanu from DSS custody.?

Speaking at Iwuanyanwu?s laying in state at the old Eastern Nigeria Government lodge in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described the late Ohanaeze PG as an Iroko and a bridge builder who festered unity at toubled times.

?He possessed remarkable work ethics and he left profound impression on me. He was a trailblazer in the media, sports, Industry, engineering, aviation. He was indeed ahead of his time,? Mbah eulogised.

Former Governor of Ebonyi state, Dr Sam Egwu in his own tribute said that Iwuanyanwu was a great man with great frame and personality, acknowledging that Iwuanyanwu?s actions distinguished his personality.

Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Garry Igariwey, described Iwuanyanwu as a man who believed in Igboland and was great in every sense of greatness.

?We crave the indulgence of that to ask Mr. President to please heed the call and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,? Igariwey pleaded.

The Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Okey Emuchay recalled that Iwuanyanwu never failed to tell his Biafra story and the civil war sojourn.

Wife of the first President of Nigeria, Professor Uche Azikiwe, pleaded with the federal government to immortalize Chief Iwuanyanwu.

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