Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has described the death of the pioneer civilian governor of the state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, as a great loss to the state, Igbo race and the nation at large.
A Harvard University graduate, Dr. Ezeife, popular as “Okwadike Igboukwu.” joined his ancestors at 85 years old on Thursday, December 14th, 2023, at the National Hospital, Abuja, the nation’s capital city.
Soludo, in a press statement issued on his behalf by his press secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, on Friday, mourned Dr. Ezeife, recalling that besides serving the state as governor, he also rose to the position of a permanent secretary in the federal civil service.
Dr Ezeife’s passage occurred less than a month after his successor as the second civilian governor of the state, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a lawyer, was committed to the mother earth at his Uli country home in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state less than a month ago.
Soludo said, “It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo,CFR, mourns the passing of a distinguished son of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, who transitioned peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the age of 85 years at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
“A most illustrious son of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu area of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife, a man of many hats, was a titan in the annals of our state and nation.
“Fondly called ‘Okwadike’, he was elected governor of Anambra State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party between January 1992 and November 1993 during the aborted Third Republic.
“As a Harvard-trained economist, Dr. Ezeife once served with resolute dedication and integrity as a Federal Permanent Secretary, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in public service.
“As the first civilian Governor of Anambra State, he navigated the complexities of post-military rule with wisdom and foresight, laying the foundation for the vibrant state we know today.
“He once served as a Political Adviser to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, just as he was also a Presidential Aspirant. Dr Ezeife was always driven by a deep desire to improve the lives of his fellow Nigerians.
“A scholar, a visionary, and a man of deep compassion, his gentle demeanour and thoughtful counsel endeared him to all, regardless of political affiliation. He was a bridge-builder, a voice of reason, and a tireless advocate for the unity and progress of Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.
“His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
“However, we find solace in the knowledge that his legacy of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the common good will continue to inspire us all.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo extends his deepest condolences to Dr. Ezeife’s family and loved ones.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace”, Soludo prayed.
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