Mobolaji Michael
THE Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has described the late Anambra State governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON as a “true patriot, a quintessential leader and An exceptional democrat”.
A statement signed by the organisation’s National Secretary, High Chief Peter Ameh and made available to Eighteen-Eleven Media in Lagos said it received the news of the death of the elder statesman with utmost disbelief
“We received with utmost disbelief, the sudden demise of one of the Nation’s finest and most eloquent and patriotic democrat, Okwadike, Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife OON.
“Indeed, his demise has created a huge vacuum in the Nigerian political and social order.
“Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife remained consistent in his struggle for a better Nigerian Nation and was until his death, a comforting shoulder for all ethnic nationalities across the Nigerian State.
“His moral and ethical disposition will remain an invaluable asset to those aspiring for public offices.
“We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, a prominent Igbo leader and elder statesman died on Thursday at the age of 85.
Announcing his death on behalf of the family, Rob Ezeife said in a statement “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, a former federal permanent secretary, the first executive governor of Anambra State, a former political adviser to the president and former presidential aspirant.
“This sad event took place yesterday at 6 pm, at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
“More details about the deceased and the arrangements for his state burial will be announced later,” he said.
Ezeife was elected governor of Anambra on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Nigeria’s third republic, in 1992.
He served as governor until Sani Abacha, an ex-military ruler, seized the reins of power at the centre in 1993.
Ezeife obtained a BSc in Economics from the University College Ibadan and a Master’s and PhD degree from Harvard University.
He was also appointed special adviser on political matters by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo when Nigeria commenced its fourth republic in 1999.
Eighteen-Eleven Media