Politics
FOLLOWING the announcement of the death of Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the first governor of Anambra State by his family, many prominent Nigerians have continued to mourn his death and expressed their condolences to his family.
Goddy Uwazurike, President of the Credibility Group in a dirge written in Ezeife’s condolence, described him as a “Great Iroko tree” who had been deeply involved in the struggle for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
He said: “Some hours ago, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife died on the eve of the Supreme Court Judgment on the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case.
“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!
“Ndigbo have lost great men and women of inestimable value in rapid succession.
“Chief Guy Ikokwu, Prof George Obiozor, Prof Joe Irukwu SAN, Prof Ben Nwabueze SAN and Chief George Uwachue SAN.
“But we are reassured that the great ones did not walk alone!
“The great ones left solid footprints in the sand of time for us to follow. We shall keep the flag flying!!!
“Fare thee well, Okwadike!
Similarly, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has also expressed sadness over Ezeife’s death.
According to a statement on Friday by Alex Ogbonnia, it’s National Publicity Secretary, Ezeife’s death was received with deep shock
The group described him as an Igbo Titan, a one man riot squad, an erudite scholar, astute bureaucrat, a brave and thoughtful dogged fighter and an accomplished politician.
Ogbonnia said that Ezeife was a consistent purveyor of morals, justice and equity and a remarkable advocate of progressivism in its purest tradition.
“When the Moshood Abiola mandate was truncated, Ezeife risked the military dungeon in the pursuit of justice.
“A detribalised patriot, who warned that unless there is a re-federalisation of Nigeria and fundamental restructuring of the polity, Nigeria will continue to grope in the dark.
“Ezeife was an unwavering and steadfast personality. He was on the side of the masses, the vulnerable and the down trodden,” Ogbonnia said.
He said the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, could not withhold his emotions on hearing the passing of ‘Okwadike’.
He lamented that the Igbo had lost some of their distinguished sons in a very short space of time with the death of Prof. George Obiozor, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Dr Sylvanus Olisanye Ebigwei and now Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
The National Publicity Secretary described Ezeife as a quintessential Igbo in all ramifications, adding that Nigeria had lost a rare gem.
“On behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and indeed all the sons and daughters of Igboland, we send our condolences to the immediate family of Okwadike, the Igbo Ukwu Community and the good people of Anambra.
“While we prepare for a befitting farewell to our illustrious son, we beseech the Almighty to grant the soul of Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife an eternal repose in His bosom,” he said.
Also Kayode Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, in his condolence message on Friday, described Ezeife as a man of unparalleled dedication and service to his country.
He said Ezeife would be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, compassion, and genuine concern for the well-being of others.
“My heart is shattered as I received the devastating news of the passing of a remarkable soul, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the first executive governor of Anambra.
According to him, Ezeife extended his care and support to all who crossed his path, including myself. I was fortunate enough to experience his kindness firsthand.
He said Ezeife constantly showered him with kind words and attention, always calling to monitor my progress and offer words of advice.
He said Ezeife’s leadership was marked by integrity, wisdom and a deep sense of justice.
“He was a visionary, who advanced the cause and interests of the Igbo and Yoruba nations at the most critical time.
He said his commitment to the service of his people was unwavering and his passion for justice was infectious.
Ajulo said Ezeife left behind a legacy of selflessness and an indelible mark on the sands of time.
Realnews reports that Ezeife, whose death was announced in a statement signed on behalf of the family by Rob Nwakaire Ezeife, died at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja on Thursday.
He was a former Federal Permanent Secretary, the first Executive Governor of Anambra State, a former Political Adviser to the President and former Presidential Aspirant.
A.I
Tags: Goddy Uwazurike Rob Nwakaire Ezeife
