The Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFEPS) has expressed profound sorrow and grief over the passing of one of its eminent founding members and member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former governor of Anambra State.
Dr. Ezeife, Okwadike of Igbo-Ukwu, was governor of Anambra State from 1992 to 1993.
In a statement signed by Ambassador Bulus Zom Lolo, acting Secretary General, CORFEPS, the group extolled the virtues of the former governor, describing him as a thoroughbred public servant whose professionalism left an enduring legacy in the nation building process.
The statement read: “As a federal public servant, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife was a thoroughbred public servant whose patriotism, energy, dedication and professionalism combined with courageous advocacy, left an enduring legacy in our nation building process.
“Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife was not only a retired federal permanent secretary, but after his unblemished civil service career, he ventured into politics in the third republic and became the first elected governor of Anambra State. During his tenure as Governor, he also served as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.
“The council mourns the demise of its illustrious founding member and will greatly miss his wise counsel.”
Ezeife’s death came about three weeks after Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, another former governor of Anambra State, who died in April, was buried.