Iwuanyanwu is a pillar of Democracy – Buhari
..Jonathan should be honoured by accepting election defeat – Iwuanyanwu.
President Muhammadu Buhari has described the frontline entrepreneur and board member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a pillar of democracy.
But Iwuanyanwu has also made a case for former President Goodluck Jonathan, insisting that he should be celebrated and honoured for setting the pace in conceding election in Africa.
Iwuanyanwu stated this on Saturday in Abuja during his 75th birthday celebration organised by a committee of friends including the Ohaneze Ndigbo.
Iwuanyanwu in his thank you speech said that Jonathan showed extraordinary sportsmanship when he decided to congratulate President Buhari when he lost election, thus becoming the first person to do so in Africa.
He said that he mobilized the South East during the election and the region overwhelming voted for Johnathan and since his defeat, the region is still paying the prize in the present government.
Addressing Dame Patience Jonathan who attended the occasion, Iwuanyanwu said, “Your husband may be going through some travails but I want you to tell Jonathan that life is full of ups and down.
“But he will be remembered for one thing. When he lost election, he submitted. The truth about it is that our party was in power for 16 years and all through the world, the electorate like to try other parties.
“The practice in many African countries where people hold unto power is bad. Jonathan deserve a Nobel prize for being the first African leader to say ‘yes, I have been defeated'” Iwuanyanwu stressed.
Admonishing politicians who are crossing over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) due to the defeat of the PDP, Iwuanyanwu said,
“For those of you crossing over to the APC, it doesn’t make sense. Power will one day come back to the PDP. There is dignity in being in opposition. In a democratic system, opposition is the best for the ordinary person. Opposition is the watch dog of the electorate.”
He recounted that his persistence and commitment to party politics has endeared him to many, leading to President Bihari describing him as a pillar of democracy.
“I read the tribute wrote to me by Buhari. Buhari called me pillar of democracy. I am sure he considered the fact that I am somebody who when I stands on a course, I cannot change.”
The elder statesman admonished politicians to know when to play politics and when to build the nation, stressing that all his actions in life were geared towards nation building.
The event was attended by dignitaries across party lines including Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha. Three former first ladies, Dame Patience Jonathan, Noble Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi and Mrs Azikiwe graced the occasion.
Others were former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former state Governors: Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Senators Samuel Anyanwu, Hope Uzodimma, Osita Izunaso, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Olisa Metuh and a host of others.
Myke Uzendu, Abuja.
