A chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Hycienth Ngwu, has called on Igbos nationwide to accord the late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu deep respect by not joining the planned hunger protest.

Mr Ngwu told journalists in Enugu on Saturday that joining the “ill-wind and ill-timed protest” may further destroy the virtues Mr Iwuanyanwu fought and stood for while alive.

Mr Iwuanyanwu, a politician and sports enthusiast, was the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo until his death on Thursday at the age of 82 years old.

He had in a press statement released three days before his demise issued a warning that no Igbo should participate in the “uncalled-for protest”.

Mr Ngwu, the Ohabuenyi Amechi Awkunanaw in Enugu South Local Government Area, noted that Mr Iwuanyanwu, the Ahaejiejemba 1 of Igboland, acquitted himself well in championing Ndigbo’s cause and struggle over decades.

According to him, all in Igboland, especially in the South-East, should remain in a sobriety mood as they accord their great leader, father and brother a befitting mourning period.

Mr Ngwu noted that consultation and dialogue by representatives of the aggrieved group(s) and government remained the best option to take for the greater good of the country and her citizens.

“Ndi Igbo (Igbo people) recently lost our very illustrious son, an outstanding philanthropist and a nation builder in the person of Ahaejiejemba, the President-General of our epic association, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

“We should accord him deep respect by taking heed of all he had warned us of as Ndigbo, especially for any Igbo person not to join the planned nationwide hunger protest.

“At this moment and period in time, we should be prayerful to God and our ancestors to grant his soul eternal peace.

“Joining in any mass and nationwide protest may further destroy the virtues he fought and stood for,” he said.

(NAN)