By Ikeugonna Eleke
The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said the former Anambra State Governor, the late Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, fought for peace and unity of Nigeria during his lifetime.
Tinubu stated this at Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, April 20, during the burial ceremony of the late rights activist and elder statesman, describing him as a true son of the soil.
Tinubu who was represented at the burial by the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, described Ezeife as a courageous fighter.
‘Ezeife died at the time Nigeria needed his developmental ideas the most. He is a man with a towering influence. A former federal permanent secretary and a man with leadership credentials.
‘While we pray for the repose of his soul, we encourage his loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacies,’ Tinubu said.
The burial ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, and hosted by the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
Dignitaries at the event included former Governor of the state and two term Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Victor Umeh; Senator Ben Ndi-Obi and Senator Uche Ekwunife.
All traditional rulers in the state were also in attendance, including the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The late Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife was elected Governor of Anambra State on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Nigeria’s Third Republic in 1992.
He served as governor until the late military dictator, Sani Abacha, seized the reins of power at the centre and dissolved all civilian institutions in 1993.
