By Malachy Ezechukwu
Eminent Nigerians from different walks of life, on Monday night, converged at Abuja, for a night of tributes in honour of the former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, pouring encomiums on the late elder statesman.
The event which held at Thisday Dome, Central Business District, attracted creme de’la creme of the society including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, represented by the Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi; former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim; former Senate President, Sen. Adolphus Wabara; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsonye Oyinlola; former Governor of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; former Minister of Education, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuihe; Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obirora Okonkwo, amongst others.
Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who chaired the event, in his tribute, described the late Ezeife as a champion of democracy, an enigma and unasuming personality.
Chief Osoba stated that the deceased in his lifetime operated and was at the apex of the vanguard for a better Nigeria, insisting that Nigeria must attain its manifest destiny.
He recalled that the late Ezeife and other eminent Igbo leaders initiated the handshake across the Niger to foster collaboration between the people of South-East and South-West.
He said the late Anambra supported the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola fully, in his quest to be president.
Osoba added that even when the election was annulled, the late Ezeife was part of the National Democratic Coalition ( NADECO), which sought the revalidation of the poll.
“Ezeife was a champion of truth. A champion of what is good for Nigeria. He supported Abiola fully.
“He stood with us in NADECO. He was among those who started what is called the handshake across the Niger.
“We are enjoying democracy today, because the likes of Ezeife stood for Nigeria.”
Other speakers including Se. Anyim also paid tribute to the departed statesman, recalling his glorious achievements as a permanentsecretary, governor and elder statesman.
Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, who served as Governor of Enugu State same time as Ezeife was in Anambra, said the best way to honour the late Ezeife was for Igbo leaders to live simple and courageous lives like the deceased former governor.
“As we mourn our own Okwadike, let us remind ourselves that death is an inevitable end and live lives that will impact humanity that we will be remembered for when we leave this world.
“Okwadike lived a life that we are all proud of today, so I admonish you all to imbibe such lifestyle for the benefit of those we will leave behind at death,” he said.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kalu, said the nation’s young politicians should emulate the simple life styles and integrity of the likes of Ezeife.
On his part, Ihedioha recalled the various roles played by Ezeife to unite Ndigbo particularly when they appear to be facing marginalisation and hate by other components of the country.
Ezeife died on Thursday, December 14, 2023, after a brief illness at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. He was aged 85.
Chief Nwakaire Rob Ezeife, who announced the passage of the elder statesman on behalf 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 said.
