By Chimezie Anaso, Awka/Ismail Abdulaziz, Abuja/Chukwuemeka Opara, Abakaliki
Dec. 15, 2023
A former governor of Anambra, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife is dead.
Ezeife was 85 years old.
Chief Nwakaire Ezeife, who announced the passage of the elder statesman on behalf of the family, said he died at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, on Thursday,
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.
“He was a former Federal permanent secretary, the first executive governor of Anambra, and staunch politician.
“More details about the deceased and the arrangements for his state burial will be announced later,” he said.
In reaction to the demise of the statesman, President Bola Tinubu has sympathised with the Ezeife family and the people, and the government of Anambra State.
Ezeife, Okwadike of Igbo-Ukwu, was governor of Anambra from 1992 to 1993.
Tinubu’s condolence message is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Friday in Abuja.
Tinubu extolled the towering influence of Chief Ezeife in Nigeria’s political landscape as well as his leadership credentials, describing his passing as a painful loss.
The President recalled the contributions the deceased made in the shaping of public discourse and governance in Nigeria, as well as in laying the foundation for the advancement of Anambra State.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the dearly departed, the President encouraged his loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacy.
Former Governor of Abia, Dr Orji Kalu, in his reaction to the passage of the icon, described Dr Ezeife’s death as a huge loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.
Kalu said this on Friday in a message made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.
The Senate Committee Chairman on Privatisation acknowledged Ezeife’s invaluable contributions to nation building and extolled his leadership qualities.
“The late politician was a notable figure in national politics.
“I commiserate with the government and people of Anambra and urge the Ezeife dynasty to sustain the good deeds of the late seasoned administrator.”
He noted that the deceased lived a purposeful life and commiserated with his family on behalf of the people of Abia North Senatorial district.
“Ezeife contributed to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria through various platforms.
“He was a seasoned public administrator, consummate politician and outstanding philanthropist.
“The late statesman left behind worthy legacies for his family and loved ones to sustain,” he said and prayed for eternal rest for the late politician.
Meanwhile, Mr. Christian Ike, the President General of Igbo-Ukwu Community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra has said that the community is in grief over the death of Ezeife.
Ike said in spite of his political, national and international life and stature, Okwadike was a community leader who served Igbo-Ukwu as a president general and cared about the development of the town till his death.
“His death is a huge shock to us. Igbo-Ukwu is mourning because a great man, a father, a community leader and nationalist is gone.
“I spoke with him two weeks ago and he assured me he was getting better. Though he was in a hospital bed, he took time to ask questions about current events in Igbo-Ukwu and prayed for us.
“We are in pains but we submit totally to the will of the Almighty,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Okwadike’ as he was fondly called, was born on Nov. 20, 1938.
He served as governor of Anambra from January 1992 to November 1993 during the aborted Third Republic.
