Atiku, Uzodimma Mourn Ezeife

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the late Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, a one-time governor of Anambra State and former presidential adviser, as a positive change agent who lived a life that was symbolic of his character as a responsible and respectable elder statesman.

In a statement he personally signed, Atiku recalled that Ezeife took a leading role in the vanguard of the struggle to restore democracy in Nigeria in the days of prolonged military rule.

The former vice president who described Ezeife as a political leader, said, “Okwadike, as he is popularly known by his traditional title, exemplified the candour of a change agent who did his best to advance the good of the common man.

“As we continue to mourn his exit, his memory shall remind us of his legacies and shall be an inspiration to the contemporary generation of leaders in the country.

“I wish his immediate family and the people and government of Anambra the fortitude to bear the loss of an icon.

“I also join the league of his admirers across the world to pray for a peaceful repose of his soul.”

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has also mourned Dr Ezeife, noting that in his passing, the country has lost an asset.

Sympathising with the family of the deceased, the people of Igbo Ukwu, the government of Anambra State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the federal government of Nigeria, Governor Uzodimma said that Dr Ezeife will be missed sorely by all who came in contact with him.

According to Uzodimma, Dr Ezeife’s commitment to the good of all – both the common man as well as the high and mighty marked him out as a man who came to serve God and humanity.

He said Ezeife’s legacies as former governor, former permanent secretary and former political adviser would remain indelible in the minds of people, describing his death as painful and regrettable.

The governor noted that Dr Ezeife’s vocalness and contributions on issues that border on good governance in his state, Nigeria and the society at large cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

He prayed God to grant Dr Ezeife’s soul a peaceful repose and his family, the grace to bear the loss.