The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife as a consistent purveyor of morals, justice and equity.
Ohanaeze, which said, according to The Nation, that it received with deep shock the death of yet another Igbo Titan, further described Ezeife as a one man riot squad, an erudite scholar and astute bureaucrat, brave and thoughtful dogged fighter and an accomplished politician.
Ohanaeze’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, in Enugu on Friday, December 15.
The statement read: “Okwadike was a consistent purveyor of morals, justice and equity. He was a remarkable advocate of progressivism in its purest tradition. When the Moshood Abiola Mandate was truncated, Ezeife risked the military dungeon in the pursuit of justice. A detribalized patriot who warned that unless there is a re-federalisation of Nigeria and fundamental restructuring of the polity, Nigeria will continue to grope in the dark.
“Ezeife was an unwavering and steadfast personality. He was on the side of the masses, the vulnerable and the down trodden.
“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR; OFR; CFR; FNICE; FNSE; KSC (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) could not withhold his emotions on hearing the passing on of Okwadike. He lamented that the Igbo have been afflicted with a chain of catastrophe within a very short space of time; Prof. George Obiozor, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Prof . Ben Nwabueze, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Dr. Sylvanus Olisanye Ebigwei and now Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others. He qualified Ezeife as a quintessential Igbo in all ramifications. He added that Nigeria has lost a rare gem.
“On behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and indeed all the sons and daughters of Igbo land, we send our condolences to the immediate family of Okwadike, the Igbo Ukwu community and the good people of Anambra State.
“While we prepare for a befitting farewell to our illustrious son, we beseech the Almighty to grant the soul of Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife an eternal repose in his bosom.”
