…pledges Reps’ support for burial of ex-Anambra Gov
By Chesa Chesa & Jonathan Lois
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu says that peace is necessary for development of the Southeast region, and particularly to sustain the legacies of a statesman like the late former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
Kalu stated this on Tuesday when he received in his office, a delegation of the National Burial Committee of late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, led by a former Governor of Enugu State, Chief Okwesileze Nwodo.
Ezeife, also fondly hailed as ‘Okwadike’ – his traditional title from his Igboukwu homestead – died on December 17, 2023 at the age of 85.
Recalling the impressive life and times of the late Okwadike, the Deputy Speaker stated that the indigenes must be interested in the peace of the region because it’s the only way to sustain Ezeife’s legacies.
He expressed sadness over the demise of the former Governor, while assuring the delegation of his support and that of his colleagues in the National Assembly to ensure that he is honoured and given a befitting burial.
Kalu said: “It is really sad and painful that few months ago, we lost our dear brother and elder statesman. Although it is difficult to come to terms with his passing, we are grateful for the time he spent on earth and the legacy he left behind.
“Okwadike’s story demonstrates the limitless success that determination and work ethics can achieve, even in the face of the harshest circumstances. He was a man who never let his earlier circumstances in life dictate his eventual status.
“Growing up, I was thrilled by his drive and capacity to inspire. For me and a good number of us, his achievements and various milestones are matters of courage and supremacy of the human spirit. May his soul rest in peace.”
Lamenting that insecurity is depriving the Southeast of accelerated industrialization and economic growth, the Deputy Speaker recalled the flag-off of the Peace in South East Project (PISE), a non-political initiative and movement that employs the non-kinetic approach towards resolving the problems in the region.
He also expressed optimism that his Bill, seeking establishment of Southeast Development Commission which recently passed through first, second and third reading at the House of Representatives, will also pass in the Senate for onward transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assent, even as he called for support from Nigerians.
He noted that when the Bill becomes law, reconstruction will commence in Southeast and funds from the Federal Government allocated to the Commission will be well utilised for the purposes of rebuilding and post war reconstruction that has not been attended to over 50 years.
Kalu added: “In recent times, the South East has come into the public domain for the wrong reasons. I say wrong reason because Igbo people have what they are known for, anything outside that is a wrong reason, identity.
“We are proud, courageous people not confused about our identity we know who we are. we build, we don’t destroy, give birth, we don’t slaughter children, we don’t kill our mothers, we don’t kill our brothers, we don’t sacrifice our fathers.
“That was not what our forefathers bequeathed to us. Peace is the only way to make progress and industrialise.”
The delegation led by the burial committee’s chairman, Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo, congratulated Kalu on his emergence as Deputy Speaker, saying that he is a sagacious and intelligent leader who has discharged his responsibility creditably.
Soliciting his support for the upcoming burial of the elder statesman, Nwodo said: “We felt that the first duty of this National Burial Committee will be to pay you a courtesy visit. Not only because you deserve it as our political leader, but because you are leading us well.
“We wish to brief you about the plans we are making to honor our late colleague and friend, elder statesman, Okwadike Igboukwu, His excellency Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
“We are celebrating his life, we are looking forward to you and members of the House of Representatives and Senate to honour him that day. It will be a day of celebration.
“We want to partner with you, to lead this whole exercise. We want to inaugurate this committee on Thursday and we hope you will find time to be there.”
