President Bola Tinubu has sympathised with the people and the government of Anambra State on the passing of a former governor of the state, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
Ezeife, who was governor between 1992 and 1993 in the aborted Third Republic, died at the age of 85. He had lost his wife, Njideka, in December, 2021.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, the President extolled the towering influence of the former governor, who also served as a federal permanent secretary, while applauding his leadership credentials.
He described the death as a painful loss, as he recalled the contributions the deceased made in the shaping of public discourse and governance in Nigeria, as well as in laying the foundation for the advancement of his state.
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While praying for the repose of the soul of the dearly departed, the President encouraged his loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacy.
Chief Nwakaire Ezeife, who announced the death of the elder statesman on behalf of the family, said he died at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, on Thursday.
He stated, “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 was a former federal permanent secretary, the first executive governor of Anambra State, and a staunch politician. More details about the deceased and the arrangements for his state burial will be announced later.”
The President-General of Igbo-Ukwu Community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr Christian Ike, said the community was in grief over the death of Ezeife.
Ike said in spite of his political, national and international engagements, Okwadike was a community leader who served Igbo-Ukwu as a president general and cared about the development of the town till his death.
He added, “His death was a huge shock to us. Igbo-Ukwu is mourning because a great man, a father, a community leader and nationalist is gone. I spoke with him two weeks ago and he assured me he was getting better. Though he was in hospital bed, he took time to ask questions about current events in Igbo-Ukwu and prayed for us.
“We are in pain but we submit totally to the will of the Almighty.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that ‘Okwadike’, as he was fondly called, was born on November 20, 1938.
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