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  • Ezeife fought for peace, unity of Nigeria, says Tinubu

    Ezeife fought for peace, unity of Nigeria, says Tinubu

    • Former Anambra governor is laid to rest

    President Bola Tinubu, says the late former Anambra state  Governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife fought for peace and unity of Nigeria.

    Tinubu spoke Saturday at the burial ceremony of the late rights activist at Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. “As a true son of the soil, who fought for the peace and unity of Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

    The President, whose address during the event was read by the Imo State governor, Chief Hope Uzodinma, described the late elder statesman as a true son of the soil.

     Tinubu said Ezeife died at the time Nigeria needed his developmental ideas the most.

    He praised the “towering influence of the former federal permanent secretary as well as his leadership credentials in Nigeria’s political landscape.”

     While praying for the repose of the soul of the departed, the President encouraged his loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacies.

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     Ezeife was elected governor of Anambra state on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Nigeria’s Third Republic in 1992.

    He served as governor until the late military leader, Sani Abacha, seized the reins of power at the centre and dissolved all civilian institutions in 1993.

     Many dignitaries attended the interment of the late Okwadike Igboukwu at his country home on Saturday.

    They included the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Senator Chris Ngige, former governor of the state and two-term Minister of Labour and Employment.

    Others were, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, Senator Ben Ndi-Obi, Senator Uche Ekwunife, virtually, all the traditional rulers in the state, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ndigbo leadership led by the president general, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, among others.

  • IPOB pays tributes to late Ezeife

    IPOB pays tributes to late Ezeife

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has paid tributes to a former Anambra Governor Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who passed away recently.

     In a statement by Comrade Emma Powerful, Media and Publicity Secretary, the group remembered Ezeife as a great leader and father figure who contributed immensely to the welfare and well-being of the Igbo people.

    Read Also: Ezeife: A patriot takes final bow

    Ezeife, who was laid to rest on April 20, 2024, in his hometown of Igboukwu, Aguata LGA, Anambra State, was described as a gallant fighter for the rights of the Igbo people and a supporter of the Biafra restoration agitation.

    His legacy, according to IPOB, will be remembered and cherished by the Igbo people, and his contributions to the fight against marginalization will not be forgotten.

    In a final tribute, IPOB prayed that God Almighty Chukwu Okike Abiama will take Dr. Ezeife’s soul to a better place and grant his family and the Igbo people the fortitude to bear the loss of such a great man.

  • Ohanaeze proclaims Ezeife ‘hero of Igboland’

    Ohanaeze proclaims Ezeife ‘hero of Igboland’

    Former Anambra Governor Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, buried in his Igboukwu country home of Anambra State, has been proclaimed ‘hero of Igboland’ by the apex Igbo socii cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    This was announced weekend at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

    It was during the commendation service of the late Octogenarian led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    Ezeife, who retired as a Federal permanent Secretary because he ruled Anambra state in 1992, was honoured Friday by the current and past Governors. 

    Though he died an old man, the commendation service evoked emotions from Soludo, former Enugu Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji and presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP Mr Peter Obi

    Addressing the mammoth crowd at the ICC, Iwuanyanwu, who described Ezeife as a great Nigerian, said that Ohanaeze had resolved to award him the “hero of Igbo”

    He said anyone that served Igbo land very well would automatically, be the property of Igboland, while commending Soludo for always supporting Ohanaeze.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze proclaims Ezeife ‘hero of Igboland’

    “Today, Ohanaeze proclaim Ezeife,” hero of Igboland’, ” Iwuanyanwu said

    Nwodo, who was the chairman of the burial committee, said: “We decided to give him extraordinary burial because of what he stood for and to encourage other leaders in Igboland to do like him.”

    Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji, in an emotion laden voice, said: “Our father was the voice of Igbo.”

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo failed to hold back tears, describing the late elder statesman as his mentor.

    He further insisted that Ezeife would be buried according to the Anambra burial law ,adding that after the commendation Friday, the burial would terminate on Saturday, saying that he left a legacy that would be difficult to match.

    “It is very emotional after almost two years, ” we’ve buried two former Governors. Ezeife was indeed, a true Nigerian.

    “He lived for many causes that will help us build a better society,” Soludo said

    Obi said Ezeife lived for justice and was a fair Nigerian that lived for all.

    In her eulogy, first female Governor in Nigeria, Same Virgy Etiaba, who first, thanked Soludo for bringing out money for such state burial for Ezeife, added some other persons would not have provided such support.

    The crowd was in frenzy because they knew the reference point.

    However, she said Ezeife loved everyone, an activist that had listening ear, adding that Okwadike signified a lot of things, noting that he fought for Igboland and made friends through out the country.

  • Ohanaeze proclaims Ezeife ‘hero of Igboland’

    Ohanaeze proclaims Ezeife ‘hero of Igboland’

    • Soludo, Nwodo,Obi, Ngige eulogize him

    Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr.  Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who will be buried today (Saturday) in his Igboukwu country home of Anambra State, has been proclaimed ‘hero of Igboland’ by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    This was announced Friday at the International Convention Center ICC, in Awka, Anambra State by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

    It was during the state commendation service of the late octogenarian, led by the state Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

    Ezeife, who retired as a Federal permanent secretary and  ruled Anambra State in 1992, was honoured Friday by the present and past governors of the state.

    Though, he died an old man, the commendation service evoked emotions from Soludo; former Governor of Enugu State, Okwesilieze Nwodo; Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji; and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP Mr. Peter Obi.

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    Addressing the mammoth crowd at the ICC, Iwuanyanwu, who described Ezeife as a great Nigerian, said that Ohanaeze had resolved to award him the ‘hero of Igbo.’

    He said anyone that served Igbo land very well would automatically be the property of Igboland, while commending Soludo for always supporting Ohanaeze.

    “Today, Ohanaeze proclaim Ezeife,’ hero of Igboland’, ” Iwuanyanwu said.

    For Dr.  Okwesilieze Nwodo, who was the chairman of the burial committee, “We decided to give him an extraordinary burial because of what he stood for and to encourage other leaders in Igboland to do like him.”

    Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji, in an emotion-laden voice, said, “Our father was the voice of Igbo.”

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo, failed to hold back tears, describing the late elder statesman as his mentor.

    He further insisted that Ezeife would be buried according to the Anambra burial law, adding that after the commendation Friday, the burial would terminate on Saturday, saying that he left a legacy that would be difficult to match.

     It is very emotional after almost two years, “we’ve buried two former Governors. Ezeife was indeed, a true Nigerian.

    “He lived for many causes that will help us build a better society,” Soludo said.

    Presidential candidate of LP, Peter Obi, said Ezeife lived for justice, was a fair Nigerian, and a Nigerian that lived for all.

    In her eulogy, the first female Governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba, first, thanked Soludo for bringing out money for such a state burial for Ezeife, adding that some other persons would not have provided such support.

    The crowd was in a frenzy because they knew the reference point.

    However, she said Ezeife loved everyone, an activist who had a listening ear, adding that Okwadike signified a lot of things, noting that he fought for Igboland and made friends throughout the country.

  • Ezeife: Reps pledge support as Nwodo heads National Burial Committee

    Ezeife: Reps pledge support as Nwodo heads National Burial Committee

    The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has commissioned former Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo to head the National Burial Committee for the interment of late Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State.

    Performing the formal inauguration of the committee, in Abuja, Kalu, charged the Nwodo-led committee to give its best to ensure a befitting farewell for late Ezeife, however assured that members of the National Assembly are solidly stand behind it.

    He said: “You have sons in the National Assembly, and we the members of the National Assembly have said that when you make your budget, give us our share for contribution.

    “We are going to solidly stand behind this committee, so please give it your best. Whenever you need us, we are available, we will not abandoned you.”

    The Speaker, who is the highest ranking political leader from the South Eastern region, noted that late Ezeife was a man of peace, who did not believe in violence or using social vices to fight injustice.

    He called on Igbo people to unite and move the South East region forward just like late Ezeife was doing before his death.

    He added that those using violence to disrupt the development of the Eastern region to desist from it, by embracing the Igbo spirit of oneness, which remained a major legacy of late Ezeife.

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    According to him: “Ezeife was a great man who sacrificed for the Igbo tribe ,he believed in a South East of peace and unity, he did not stand for the killing and destruction some people carrying out in the region.

    “He also believed in dialogue and the spirit of oneness ,so we will use his burial to tell Nigerians that Igbo people are united.”

    Earlier, Secretary/Head of Secretariat, of the National Burial Committee (NBC), Chief Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, while making the presentation of membership composition of the committee, disclosed that it consists of former governors, legislators, captains of industries, and elder statesmen of varying social-cultural groups, faith based organisations, political parties, and civil society groups drawn from different parts of the country.

    Okwenna noted that late Ezeife was a man of peace, who cohabited with people from different regions, parties, religions and tribes.

    “As you can see today, the life he lived is reflected in the calibre of people in the committee .

    “We have people from different parties and so many friends and family, because he was a man given to brotherhood and love.”

    Responding, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, stated that the committee would give Ezeife the kind of burial he deserved.

    Nwodo said the committee would make a statement with Ezeife’s burial to portray the spirit of oneness among Igbo people.

    “This is the Igbo spirit we want to celebrate ,we want to show Nigerians that people are united .

    “We are determined, we have the vision and we know that the statement we want to make would be achieved and you will all be proud to be Igbo people,” Nwodo stated

    He therefore assured of the committees commitment to make the burial success by delivery quality service.

    Our correspondent reports that the event had past and serving lawmakers, former governors, educationists, political, women and youth leaders as attendees from the eastern region and other parts of the country.

    In particular, those present were: late Ezeife’s children, former Senate Presidents, Ken Nnamani, and Pius Anyim, Adolphus Nwagbara; former Minister of Education, Prof Ihechukwu Madubuike, Senato

    Others included: Former Police IG, Mike Okiro, Alhaji Shehu Gabam ,National Chairman, Social Democratic Party (SDP), former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, Senator Ben Obi, Eze Igbo in FCT, Ibe Nwosi, Achike Udenwa, Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, CEO Innoson Motors among others.

    Recall that Ezeife’s family had on 15th December announced his demise, which occured at the Federal Medical Centre, in Abuja. He was 86 years old.

    Also, late Ezeife ‘Okwadike’ of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu, was a former federal permanent secretary, a former governor of Anambra State, a former political adviser to Nigeria’s former Head of State and presidential aspirant, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda (rtd).

  • Ezeife: Personal encounters

    Ezeife: Personal encounters

    • By C. Don Adinuba

    Chukwuemeka Pius Ezeife, Anambra State governor from January 1992 to November 1993 who died last month at 86, hauled himself up by the bootstraps and became an embodiment of progress. He took to apprentice trading on leaving primary school owing to paucity of funds. Yet, before anyone knew it, he had obtained a doctorate in economics from Harvard, becoming a lecturer at Makerere University in Uganda. At the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, he re-joined the federal civil service, retiring as a permanent secretary. He then dived straight into business and left a footprint in no time. He also rose rapidly in politics, as became the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governor after a series of gruesome fights. His life was marked by grit, resilience, simplicity, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.

    No sooner he emerged governor than I was requested to join his Information Advisory Committee headed by Pita Ejiofor, a prolific author and management professor who had served as the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce in former Anambra State and was to become, years later, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University vice-chancellor. The recommendation came through Ezeife’s press secretary, Okey Ifionu, a suave journalist and natural public relations practitioner who is now a senior cleric in the Anglican Church in Lagos. For some reason, I was the only professional journalist on the committee which was dominated by bureaucrats.

    In one of the first meetings between Governor Ezeife and the Information Advisory Committee, I lauded him for developing the Think Home policy. Still, I observed that his disposition to public communication would impede the policy’s successful implementation. I asked him pointedly: “If investors and other stakeholders are not well informed about the merits of this policy and provided with compelling reasons why they should stake their future in our dear state through organs of public communication like the press and roadshows and conferences, how do you hope to deliver this beautiful vision?”

    Not a man to give in easily to an argument, Ezeife retorted that I was advising him to turn Anambra State into a North Korea whereas he had plans to turn it into a South Korea!  North Korea, under a family autocracy, was relentlessly sending communist propaganda material to not just its people but across the globe while South Korea was exporting ships, electronics, cars, etc., to the world. It was a lively debate between the governor and myself for the next 30 minutes. When the meeting receded, the governor’s Special Assistant on Information, Ben Obiatuegwu, a well-groomed writer and former chief executive of the state-owned newspaper who was a Reuters Fellow at Oxford University, and Press Secretary Ifionu joined members of the Information Advisory Committee to thank me for what they considered an impressive presentation of the communication strategy case.

    The governor, smiling broadly and laughing heartily throughout the back-and-forth conversation, was perhaps impressed. The relationship between us blossomed rapidly after this encounter. Following another meeting of the Information Advisory Committee, he and I had a private meeting on the then ongoing SDP primary elections. There were optics that Chuba Okadigbo, a popular academic and erstwhile President Shehu Shagari’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, who was running for the SDP senatorial nomination, was having difficulties owing to insufficient funds. His main opponent, Mike Okechukwu Areh, with a doctorate in nuclear pharmacy, was rumoured to be campaigning with a lot of money. Many prominent Nigerians were worried. Onwuka Kalu, the chief executive of Onwuka Hi-Tek, was calling regularly to obtain reports on Okadigbo’s performance. “Ojo Maduekwe and Chuba Okadigbo,” he said to me repeatedly, “are two persons who would articulate and defend Igbo interests in the senate. I will do my best to assist Ojo in Abia State. Please, talk to Dr Ezeife in strong terms”.

    The governor listened calmly as I made a case for Okadigbo. I expected him, as he was wont, to address each point, but he rather surprisingly said solemnly: “What’s the assurance that Dr Areh’s first act in the senate won’t be to demand that Onitsha be included in the proposed Anioma State?” He paused and then threw in the killer punch: “Chuba is our candidate. Have no fears”. Right there he called the state SDP chairman, Goddy Madueke, and the secretary, Chukwunonso Ibeneme, to come over. Two days later, a relieved nation heard on the 4.00 pm Network News Service of Radio Nigeria that Okadigbo had become the SDP senatorial candidate. Much as Okadigbo and I had a close relationship, I never narrated to him this meeting with Ezeife.

    On August 26, 1993, I met Ezeife and advised that the government honour Anambra winners of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM), Nigeria’s highest honour for intellectual and artistic attainment as part of the effort to recalibrate our value system and promote education as the way of the future. Anambra was then competing with Ekiti over the state with the highest number of NNOM laureates. Though he had recorded his broadcast to mark the state’s second anniversary the next day, the governor recalled the tape to include the honour to the state’s brilliant indigenes in the address.

    Ezeife and I didn’t see again till about November because I had withdrawn from the committee due to the behaviour of an aide to Ezeife’s well-trusted private secretary. When he eventually saw me at a meeting he was holding with the Anambra community in Abuja at the Nicon Hilton Hotel, he discreetly asked his aide de camp, Chris Ezike, who was to retire as an Assistant Inspector General of Police, to release all his office, residential and direct telephone numbers to me. After the meeting, I went to see him in his suite, he said to me: “Identify any three posts you want in government, except the Commissioner for Education; that is for the candidate of the Catholic Church. I am now seeing the wisdom in your advocacy for effective communication”. He was worried about the public perception of his government, despite building such things as the Udoka Housing Estate in Awka and repeated explanations that he would start aggressive development in the third year of his administration that would make it unnecessary for him to campaign energetically for re-election. 

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     I was already working as the Special Assistant to Bart Nnaji, the Minister of Science of Technology, a particularly close friend, so I turned down the offer. Ezeife’s love for Anambra showed once again. “Please, bring the minister to Awka as soon as you can. He can help us with the electronics agency we are building to make Anambra the hub of Nigeria’s industrial revolution.”  As I was departing the suite, he joked: “Don’t fail, as you did in the case of Professor Oliver Mobisson, the MIT-trained computer genius whom you couldn’t persuade to leave the Enugu State University of Technology to join Nnamdi Azikwe University in Awka. Mobisson’s brilliance was already known in Boston when I was at Harvard”.

    Ezeife was over the moon to see Nnaji in Awka within days and assembled the cabinet to attend a reception for the minister where he spoke passionately about the electronics development agency, now a federal institute. Little did we know that Ezeife and Nnaji would be out of government the next week following Sani Abacha’s emergence as Nigeria’s military ruler.

    Ezeife had no money to rent a house, so he and his family moved to his private office on Awolowo Road in Ikoyi, using the small place as a residence and office.  His situation is reminiscent of the case of Ukpabi Asika who, after nine years as the East Central State administrator, squatted in John Adeleke’s residence at 80 or 81 Norman Williams Street, Southwest Ikoyi. Ezeife turned to exporting cash crops like ginger and cashew nuts to Asia, but it faced many challenges. Yet, when I strolled into his office and casually mentioned that I was going to officially announce my intention to marry a girl from the Nzeribe family in Uli with just a bottle of spirit, Ezeife ran around to provide the money for the drink, despite my gentle protest. He could find only N3,000 cash and gave me two-thirds of it. I used N1,500 from it to purchase a bottle of St Remy.

    •Adinuba was Anambra State Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment (2018-2022).

  • Foundation eulogises Ezeife, says he left void hard to fill

    Foundation eulogises Ezeife, says he left void hard to fill

    Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Foundation (NNIIF), a sociocultural organisation has paid glowing tributes to the first civilian governor of Anambra State late Dr. Okwadike Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

    In a statement issued on behalf of the group by its National Publicity Secretary, Nnedinso Ogaziechi and made available to The Nation, the body expressed sadness that the Ndi Igbo nation has had a run of bad luck with the demise of some of its leading lights in quick succession including another former governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, erudite constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN) and President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide as late Prof. George Obiozor.

    Ezeife died on Thursday, December 14th, 2023, at the age of 85 years.

    In the statement which reads in part, the body said, “The death of Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife brings to a sudden end the good leadership he has provided not just for Ndigbo but for Nigeria as a country. A cerebral scholar whose academic success was as exciting as it was productive. He skipped secondary school but was able to pass his correspondence exams and got admitted into the University of Ibadan where he obtained a degree in Economics before he proceeded to Harvard University on a Rockefeller scholarship for his masters and PhD degrees.”

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    The group however said it is consoled by the fact that Ezeife lived a most fulfilled life. “But we at Nkata would remember the late Okwadike Igboukwu for his leadership qualities and advocacy for peace, justice and progress not just in the South East but in Nigeria. He is one man whose education and culture informed his world views. He believed that education should not obliterate African culture, especially his Igbo culture.

    “He used his positions for the advancement of the human project. To us, he did his part perfectly to the best of his human abilities. We mourn him as a son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather but more so as a true citizen who stood tall and did not sin by silence. His voice resonated across the nation and beyond for his progressive beliefs.

    “May you journey well Okwadike Igboukwu. You lived your purpose and left an impact. May your family be consoled and may we the living attempt to pick up the baton you so elegantly carried as Nwa afo Igbo. Naa n’udo Okwadike Igboukwu. Adieu.”

  • Ezeife: Unequivocal patriot with exceptional courage – Obasanjo

    Ezeife: Unequivocal patriot with exceptional courage – Obasanjo

    Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife as an unequivocal patriot with exceptional courage, declaring that the country has lost an intellectual giant, a brilliant thinker and profound humanist.

    Obasanjo, who just returned from visits to two North African countries, remarked that the commendable contributions of the late Dr. Ezeife to public life starting from the public service before venturing into politics would long be remembered by the present and future generations.

    Extolling the virtues of the late economist in a release on Wednesday, December 20, through his special assistant on media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo recalled that having worked closely with Dr. Ezeife during his administration as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in his capacity as his Special Adviser on Political Matters, he could attest to his good traits.

    He said: “I can attest to his patriotism, selflessness, integrity, humility, and sense of purpose – qualities which define the essence of his leadership. Though I respect all shades of opinions on issues no matter how far removed from my own perspectives, we cannot rule out the fact that we both sometimes disagreed to agree in the best interest of Nigeria and all Nigerians through regenerating and repositioning our country to meet the hopes and aspirations of our people and charting the course to our nation’s glorious future. In these various assignments that he undertook, he served with commitment, dedication, and loyalty, making significant contributions to the growth of our country.

    “He served this great country and attained the zenith of his career before retiring as a Federal Permanent Secretary. He was industrious, amiable, and most unassuming.  His zeal and attitude to work while serving the nation left its mark on the sands of time.”

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    Obasanjo added: “History will also record that when providence placed him in a position of influence and power, he positively touched many lives. His tenure, though very brief, as the first Executive Governor of Anambra State witnessed several significant developments in the State which endeared him to millions of his compatriots.

     “Dr. Ezeife was by all standards a distinguished Nigerian and a good ambassador of his people of Igbo extraction. He served his community faithfully and with distinction. He was part of the moving history of Anambra State, the people, their culture, and their lives, and would ever be remembered for his favourable political disposition towards his kinsmen.

    “Indeed, the entire Igbo people, for whom he left a rich legacy and good reputation and honour, need not be prompted to be grateful to a man whose unique politics was about the protection of his people. His example remains a laudable model for the present and coming generation of the Igbos in particular and Nigerians in general.

    “In grateful recognition of his landmark achievements, the nation rewarded him with one of the most prestigious honours, Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON. Without a doubt, the nation has lost one of the brightest stars in its firmament. His place will be difficult to fill. I urge you all to bear the heavy burden of his passing consoled by the appreciation that he has left you a proud legacy and that we all share your loss of one of the distinguished elder statesmen of our time.”

  • Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    President Bola Tinubu, Southeast states’ governors, Igbo apex socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo among other eminent groups and individuals across the country have mourned the passage of former Anambra State governor, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who died in Abuja on Thursday, at the age of 85 years.

    The family of the first civilian governor of Anambra State announced his death in a statement issued by the deceased’s younger brother, Chief Rob Ezeife in the early hours of yesterday.

    The statement reads:“On behalf of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu, I wish to announce the promotion to glory of our most distinguished son, Okwadike, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, a former Federal Permanent Secretary, the first Executive Governor of Anambra State, a former Political Adviser to the President and former Presidential Aspirant.”

    “This sad event took place yesterday at 6pm at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. More details about the deceased and the arrangements for his State Burial will be announced later.”

    The former Governor was born at Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State on 20 November 1939.

    The announcement was received with a deep shock by President Bola Tinubu.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the family of the deceased, the Anambra State government and the people of the state.

    While extolling the late elder statesman, especially for his towering influence in the nation’s political landscape, he recalled his many contributions to governance in Nigeria.

    The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu sympathizes with the Ezeife family, the people, and the government of Anambra State on the passing of Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, former governor of the state.

    “Chief Ezeife, Okwadike of Igbo-Ukwu, was governor of Anambra from 1992 to 1993.

    “President Tinubu extols 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 recalls the contributions the late Chief 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 encourages his loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacy.”

    Also mourning the deceased, Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuna Soludo, described Ezeife as a man of many hats.

    In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Chris Aburime,  yesterday in Awka, Soludo described Ezeife as a scholar, a visionary and a man of deep compassion.

    Soludo said: “It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo,CFR, mourns the passing of a distinguished son of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, who transitioned peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the age of 85 years at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.

    “A most illustrious son of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu area of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife, a man of many hats, was a titan in the annals of our state and nation.

    “Fondly called ‘Okwadike’, he was elected governor of Anambra State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party between January 1992 and November 1993 during the aborted Third Republic.

    “As 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.

    “He once served as a Political Adviser to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, just as he was also a Presidential Aspirant. Dr Ezeife was always driven by a deep desire to improve the lives of his fellow Nigerians.

    “A scholar, a visionary, and a man of deep compassion, his gentle demeanour and thoughtful counsel endeared him to all, regardless of political affiliation.

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    “He was a bridge-builder, a voice of reason, and a tireless advocate for the unity and progress of Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.

    “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.

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo extends his deepest condolences to Dr. Ezeife’s family and loved ones.”

    Soludo’s Imo State counterpart, Governor Hope Uzodimma, said Ezeife will be sorely missed by all who came in contact with him, adding that in his passing, the country has lost an asset.

    Uzodimma said the late Ezeife’s commitment to the good of all – both the common man as well as the high and mighty marked him out as a man who came to serve God and humanity.

    He said that Dr. Ezeife’s legacies as former governor, former Permanent Secretary and former Political Adviser will remain indelible in the minds of people, describing his death as painful and regrettable.

    The Governor noted that “Ezeife’s vocal voice and contributions on issues that border on good governance in his state, Nigeria, and the society at large cannot be forgotten in a hurry.”

    He therefore prayed God Almighty to grant Dr. Ezeife’s soul a peaceful repose and to his family, the grace to bear the loss.

    Ohanaeze mourns too

    Apex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the late Ezeife as a consistent purveyor of morals, justice and equity.

    Ohanaeze, which said it received with deep shock the death of yet another Igbo titan, further described Ezeife as a one man riot squad, an erudite scholar and astute bureaucrat, brave and thoughtful dogged fighter and an accomplished politician.

    Ohanaeze’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, in Enugu yesterday.

    The statement read: “Okwadike was a consistent purveyor of morals, justice and equity. He was 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 downtrodden.

    “The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR; OFR; CFR; FNICE; FNSE; KSC (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) could not withhold his emotions on hearing the passing on of Okwadike. He lamented that the Igbo have been afflicted with a chain of catastrophe 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.

    “On behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and indeed all the sons and daughters of Igbo land, we send our condolences to the immediate family of Okwadike, the Igbo Ukwu community and the good people of Anambra State.

    “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”.

    Anambra Ex- governor Ezeife dies at 84 weeks after Mbadinuju’s burial

  • Nigeria lost asset in Ezeife – Uzodimma

    Nigeria lost asset in Ezeife – Uzodimma

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, bemoaning the death of one of Nigeria’s erudite statesmen, ex-Gov. Chukwuemeka Ezeife of Anambra, said the country has lost an asset following his death.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Mr Oguwike Nwachuku, the Imo governor

    described the late elder statesman as a “consistent voice for good governance and progressive politics”.

    Ezeife, popularly referred to as Okwadike of Igboukwu, was the first democratically-elected Governor of Anambra between 1992 and 1993.

    Read Also: Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    The ex-governor died at the age of 85 on Thursday at the National Hospital, Abuja, according to his family.

    Uzodimma said that Ezeife would be missed sorely by all who came in contact with him.

    According to the governor, Ezeife’s commitment to the good of all – both the common man as well as the high and mighty – marked him out as a man who came to serve God and humanity.

    Uzodimma said that Ezeife’s legacies as former governor, former Permanent Secretary and former Political Adviser will remain indelible in the minds of people.

    He further described his death as “painful and regrettable”.

    The governor noted that Ezeife’s vocal voice and contributions on issues that border on good governance in his state, Nigeria, and the society at large cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

    He, therefore, prayed God Almighty to grant the deceased soul a peaceful repose and to his family, the grace to bear the loss.

    (NAN)