Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife
BY GODWIN OBI
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, former Abia State governor, Sen Orji Uzor Kalu; Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo; former Labour Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige and others have sympathised with the family of the former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife on the passing of the statesman.
Ezeife died at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, according to a short press release issued by his family on Friday and signed by Chief Rob Ezeife.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, extolled the Okwadike of Igbo-Ukwu, who was governor of Anambra from 1992 to 1993, noting the towering influence of the former federal permanent secretary in Nigeria’s political landscape, as well as his leadership credentials, describing his passing as a painful loss.
The president recalled the contributions the late Ezeife made in the shaping of public discourse and governance in Nigeria, as well as in laying the foundation for the advancement of his dear state.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the dearly departed, the president encouraged his loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacy.
President General of the apex Igbo body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said the death of Dr. Ezeife was a big blow to Ndigbo.
He described the former Anambra State governor, as an Igbo titan, a one-man riot squad, an erudite scholar and astute bureaucrat, brave and thoughtful dogged fighter, and an accomplished politician.
According to him, Okwadike, as he was fondly called, was a consistent purveyor of morals, justice and equity.
“He was a detribalised patriot, who warned that unless there is a re-federalisation of Nigeria and fundamental restructuring of the polity, Nigeria would continue to grope in the dark.”
Chief Iwuanyanwu lamented that the Igbo have been afflicted with a chain of catastrophes within a very short space of time: Prof. George Obiozor, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Dr. Sylvanus Olisanye Ebigwei and now Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others. He qualified Ezeife as a quintessential Igbo in all ramifications. He added that Nigeria has lost a rare gem.
Also, the former governor of Abia State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Dr. Orji Kalu, has described the passing of the former Anambra State governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, as a huge loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.
Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the late statesman to nation building, Kalu extolled the leadership qualities of the deceased, adding that the late politician was a notable figure in national politics.
The former governor while commiserating with the government and people of Anambra State, called on the Ezeife dynasty to sustain the good deeds of the late seasoned administrator.
Said Kalu: “On behalf of the people of Abia North Senatorial District, I mourn the passing of the former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
“The late politician contributed to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria through various platforms.
“He was a seasoned public administrator, consummate politician and outstanding philanthropist. The late statesman left behind worthy legacies for his family and loved ones to sustain. He lived a fulfilled life committed to humanity.”
Kalu prayed for eternal rest for the late politician.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo described the late Ezeife as “a man of many hats, a titan in the annals of our state and nation.
“Fondly called ‘Okwadike,’ a Harvard-trained economist, Dr. Ezeife once served with resolute dedication and integrity as a Federal Permanent Secretary, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in public service.
“As the first civilian governor of Anambra State, he navigated the complexities of post-military rule with wisdom and foresight, laying the foundation for the vibrant state we know today.
“His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. However, we find solace in the knowledge that his legacy of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the common good will continue to inspire us all.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu expressed sadness over the death of former Anambra State governor, saying he was a strong voice on socio-political issues in the country.
The deputy speaker described Ezeife as “one person who would not bat an eyelid in speaking out on any topical issues based on his personal convictions and philosophy.”
The former Governor of Anambra State and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, in a statement, recalled with nostalgia his last contact with Chief Ezeife during the Ohaneze President-General Elders Advisory meeting in October at the Abuja residence of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, where Okwadike complained that he was sick and afflicted with a serious medical condition. The former minister said he never knew it was going to be their last physical meeting before the death of the man, Okwadike, who believed in the super power potential of the Nigerian nation.
His demise, he said was a great loss to the nation and Ndigbo in particular who have lost in rapid succession, great men and women of immeasurable value, such as Chief Guy Ikokwu, Prof. George Obiozor, Prof. Joe Irukwu SAN, Prof. Ben Nwabueze SAN and George Uwechue SAN.
Director General of the South East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife also expressed sadness over the passing on of the former governor of Anambra State, saying that his death has left an indelible void in hearts of Anambra State, Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.
National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, described Ezeife as someone who has always been at the forefront over Igbo issues.
Regretting that his death was a great loss to the Igbo and Nigerians, Okeke-Ogene said Ezeife would be remembered for his courage and consistency in the affairs of the Igbo. He lamented the successive loss of many fighters in Igbo land.
For Dr Olukayode Ajulo SAN, Ezeife was “a man of unparalleled dedication and service to his country, an iconic figure who made a profound impact in various spheres of life. From his distinguished tenure as the governor of Anambra State to his role as a former Federal Permanent Secretary, Political Adviser to the President, and presidential aspirant, his contributions to the growth and development of our great nation were immeasurable.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, described the late Dr. Ezeife, as a seasoned politician and an accomplished administrator who worked assiduously when he was alive for the enthronement of democratic ethos and unity of the country.
President of the Cultural Credibility and Development Initiative (CCDI), a non governmental organisation (NGO), Chief Goddy Uwazurike described Dr. Ezeife’s death as a loss of inestimable value.
“Indeed we have lost a great man, the cerebral scholar, the motivator. The first governor of the current Anambra State, the Political Adviser to the President, the public leader and charisma personified”, Uwazurike noted.
The President of Aka Ikenga (the Igbo intelligentsia), Chief Chike Madueke said Ezeife was and will be remembered as a strenuous protagonist of the Igbo cause and he would be missed badly.
Agbachukwu Ezeife, one of the deceased’s sons described his father as a sage, and a man of profound humility and wisdom. Agbachukwu said his father was great both inside and outside.
President of the Indigenous Igbo Youth Congress (IIYC), Chief Mayor Echefu, said that with the death of Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the legion of good people continues to deplete.
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