The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), on Sunday, urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and Ohaneze Ndigbo to accord a befitting burial to former governor of Anambra, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
Ezeife died on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, after a brief illness at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. He was aged 85.
The Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Enugu on the need to appreciate Ezeife’s selfless services towards socio-economic and political development of Anambra, South-East and Nigeria.
Ezekwueme, who described Ezeife as patriotic, selfless and a transparent servant leader, noted that he was in the forefront of agitation for socio-economic justice for South-East and election of Nigeria President of Igbo Extraction.
“Ezeife fought for the creation of an additional state for South-East, unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, an end to Monday Sit-at-Home order and improved security.
“As a governor he was prudent, transparent, patriotic, selfless, humble, compassionate and contented.
“As a permanent secretary, he has unblemished track records and as Presidential Adviser he told the President out of patriotism what he needs to know and do.
“He laid the foundation of a new Anambra State, introduced the think home philosophy and weekly town hall meetings with cross sections of citizens.
“He left humongous amount of money in government coffers while leaving office,” he said.
The CLO boss said that Ezeife played indispensable roles towards peaceful, free, fair and transparent November .2021 Governorship Election in Anambra and ensure that people’s votes counted.
According to him, Ezeife also mobilised the people of South-East and beyond to participate actively during last year’s General Election.
“He showed patriotism and love for his people when he declined to celebrate his 85th birthday due to incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the inability to actualized a Nigerian President of Igbo Extraction.
“Ezeife, popularly known as Okwadike, was a voice for the voiceless, detribalised, always standing for what is right, fair, just and credible, regardless the consequences.
“This is the appropriate time for the government and people of Anambra, the entire South-East and Ohaneze to reciprocate the sacrifices and selfless services Ezeife rendered to Ndigbo,” he said.
Ezekwueme also called on both Federal and Anambra Governments to immortalise him by renaming some monuments and institutions in his honour.
