The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon.Somtochukwu Udeze has described the death of former Governor of Anambra State, Dr.Chukwuemeka Ezeife as a big loss to the State and Nigeria at large.
In his Condolence Message to the Ezeife family of Igboukwu in Aguata Local Government Area on behalf of the State Legislature, noted that the late Ezeife lived a fulfilled life as an accomplished politician, distinguished public servant and revered community leader with the title of “Okwadike Igboukwu”.
According to him: “You sre among Anambra’s First-Class Citizens.”
Udeze, who attributed the present state of development in Anambra State to the solid progressive foundation laid by the late former Governor as the first Executive Governor of Anambra State after the state’s creation in 1991, extolled his vision for a better Anambra State.
He maintained that the late Dr.Ezeife used his wealth of experience as a renowned Harvard-trained Economist and retired federal permanent secretary to hold the shaky economy of Anambra State during his tenure as Governor, adding that he governed Anambra State when the State was nascent in all facets with no formal institution or organ.
Rt.Hon.Udeze revealed that it was the late Governor Ezeife’s numerous achievements as Governor of Anambra State in his barely two years tenure that motivated former President Olusegun Obasanjo to appoint him as his Special Adviser on Political Matters.
The Speaker noted that the late Governor Ezeife’s “Think Home Philosophy”introduced in 1991 has led to the establishment of various indigenous industries and companies in the State by Anambra business executives and enjoined Ndi Anambra to rekindle the vision.
Rt.Hon.Udeze called on other politicians to emulate the late Governor Ezeife’s humility, selflessness, prudence and dedication to duty even as he prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.
In the same vein the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has also expressed shock over the passing on of ‘yet another Igbo Titan; a one man riot squad, an erudite scholar and astute bureaucrat, brave and thoughtful dogged fighter, an accomplished politician and former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON (Okwadike Igbo-Ukwu).”
This was contained in a press statement issued by Dr Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary of Ouaneze worldwide,
The group said: “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.”
Ogbonnia described Exeife as: “A detribalized 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. ‘
He said: “Ezeife was an unwavering and steadfast personality. He was on the side of the masses, the vulnerable and the down trodden.”
He state further that the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, (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 and added that Nigeria has lost a rare gem.’
According to publicity secretary: ” the 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.
