President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family of the former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, over his demise.
By Ademu Usman Idakwo
While making comments on the death of the elder statesman, the President also condoled the people and government of Anambra State, describing the late governor as a towering and influential former federal Permanent Secretary with high political credentials.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale recalled the contribution the late Chief Ezeife made in shaping public discourse and governance in Nigeria, as well as in laying the foundation for the advancement of his dear state.
Praying for the repose of the soul of the dearly departed, the President encouraged his loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacy.
Similarly, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi said he received sadness and shock after the report of the death of an exceptional patriot, an elder statesman, and the First Civilian Governor of New Anambra State, Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Okwadike Igboukwu, last night.
“He was a de-tribalized Nigerian nationalist who remained dedicated to the cause of good governance in Nigeria and contributed immensely to deepening the democratic ideals of our dear nation”. Obi said.
The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo also expressed pain over the demise of the ex-Governor, describing him as a bridge builder.
In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime expressed profound sadness and a deep sense of loss over the death of Ezeife whom he said laid a solid foundation for the greater Anambra State.
The Statement described the late former governor as a scholar, a visionary, and a man of deep compassion adding that his gentle demeanour and thoughtful counsel endeared him to all regardless of political affiliation.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the South East Governors’ Forum, Senator Uchenna Ekwunife, in a statement on behalf of the forum, expressed deep condolences to the Ezeife’s family, the Anambra State government and the entire Igbo Community over the death of Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
“His distinguished service as the first executive governor of Anambra state, a federal permanent secretary, and a political luminary marked a significant chapter in our nation’s history. Dr Ezeife’s unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people and his pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s sociopolitical sphere makes his loss even more profound”
Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife is an icon, and a figure many Nigerians looked up to, leaving an indelible mark in the sands of time. He spent the greater part of his life working for good governance and humanity, becoming a source of pride not just for the Igbo community but for the entire nation.”
Ekwunife further said, “As we mourn this iconic leader, let us be mindful of his enduring legacies, exemplary leadership, and laudable role in democratic transitions of Anambra State and Nigeria at large. May God grant his soul peaceful repose and comfort the bereaved family,” statement read.
The Igbo Socio-Cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide will not be exempted from those who share grief over the death of the former governor.
Ohanaeze said on Friday that the organisation received with deep shock the passing on of another Igbo leader, Dr Ezeife, whom it described as a “Titan, a one-man riot squad, as well as an erudite scholar”.
In a statement by Ohanaeze National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia described the former governor as a consistent purveyor of morals, justice, and equity.
