TINUBU, SOLUDO, OTHERS POUR ENCOMIUMS AS EZEIFE GOES HOME

REPORTER: BEN ILECHKWU

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuwmeka Ezeife fondly called “Okwadike,” describing him as a great leader.

President Tinubu, who made the remarks in a message to the burial of the former Governor at his country house in Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, said his rare attributes of simplicity, people oriented mindset, statesmanship and deep connection to his people are worthy of emulation.

Represented by the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the President said that the late Ezeife served the nation diligently and satisfactorily as Governor of Anambra State from January 2, 1992 to November 17, 1993 and later in the fourth republic as Presidential Adviser on Political Matters to ex President Olusegun Obasanjo.

According to President Tinubu, the late Ezeife was a patriot, bridge builder with outstanding academic records, who put justice, equity and integrity above any personal interest and believed in the unity in diversity of Nigeria .

Also, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State expressed deep regret with the passing of the former Governor, describing him as a great soul.

Gov. Soludo, however noted that Anambra State took solace in the fact that Ezife lived a good life and would forever be remembered for making Anambra State better than he met it as Governor.

The Governor added that his government replicated what late Ezife did as Governor by appointing two persons from Abia and Osun States as Permanent Secretaries.

Earlier in a funeral service, Lt. Colonel Nkwachukwu Ezeonyilimba of the Salvation Army called on the people to reflect and work on their moral life as they sojourned on earth, stressing the inevitable nature of death.

The Priest extolled the exceptional leadership qualities of Dr. Ezeife, whom he said was ambassador for peace equity, fairness and justice, especially for the downtrodden.

In a speech, the immediate younger brother of the deceased, Chief Nwakaire Ezeife, thanked the Anambra State Government for its assistance before and during the burial and prayed for the repose of their brother.

Dignitaries from all walks of life, including the former Governors of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (LP Presidential Candidate); and Diame Virgin Etiaba.

Others were Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Senator Victor Umeh, Minister for Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji alongside other top government functionaries graced the event.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU