According to the report from the Vanguard, The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has expressed concerns over alleged threats on his life by certain individuals. Chief Iwuanyanwu revealed that he has been receiving menacing phone calls and messages, with one caller even mentioning plans to set his house on fire.
Speaking to journalists at the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Chief Iwuanyanwu decried the disturbing trend of targeting and defaming anyone serving the interests of the Igbo people as the President General.
Chief Iwuanyanwu highlighted that there are individuals spreading false information and engaging in character assassination against him and other members of the Ohanaeze National Executive Committee. He particularly pointed out the recent unfounded claims suggesting that Ndigbo should apologize to the Fulani community for the assassination of Ahmadu Bello during the January 1966 coup, clarifying that the coup was not an Igbo-led endeavor but solely a military operation.
Chief Iwuanyanwu specifically identified Okechukwu Isiguzoro and his associates as responsible for the damaging propaganda aimed at Ohanaeze and the Igbo community at large. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning of potential dire consequences if such actions are not swiftly addressed, referencing past instances where prominent Igbo figures like Joe Irkwu, Ralph Uwaechie, and Nnia Nwodo faced similar attacks, including attempts on their lives.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Chief Iwuanyanwu shared details of the threats he has received, including reports of individuals being hired to harm him or vandalize his property. He recounted a conversation with one of the alleged perpetrators who mentioned that his brother had benefited from a scholarship program initiated by Chief Iwuanyanwu, leading to a change of heart and averted threat against him.
Expressing dismay over having to confront such menacing circumstances while seeking to serve his people at his age of 82, Chief Iwuanyanwu highlighted his track record of serving the community and how he has been blessed throughout his career. He lamented the distressing situation he finds himself in due to the actions of individuals like Isiguzoro.
In a statement to the press, Chief Iwuanyanwu stated, "I feel sad that I should be confronted by some of these types of specters of threats just because I want to serve my people." He reiterated his commitment to serving the Igbo people despite the challenges posed by individuals engaging in smear campaigns and threats against him and the Ohanaeze leadership.