By Jude Michael
Former Governor of Anambra State, the late Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, was April 19, eulogized by Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo; former Anambra Governor, Mr Peter Obi; former Enugu State Governor, and Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, among others, as an upright man.
Ezeife was laid in state at the International Convention Centre in Awka, where several dignitaries took time to eulogize him. He was also declared the hero of Igbo Land by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo said that Ezeife would be buried according to the Anambra Burial Law, adding that after the event, the burial would terminate on Saturday.
Soludo who pointed out that Ezeife left a legacy that would be difficult to match, said: ‘It is very emotional that after almost two years, we’ve buried two former Governors. Mbadinuju and Ezeife. Ezeife was indeed, a true Nigerian. He lived for many causes that will help us build a better society,’ Soludo said.
The Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), in the last general elections, Peter Obi, described Ezeife as one who lived for justice. He said he was a fair Nigerian and a Nigerian that lived for all.
A former Deputy Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo and others, hailed Ezeife as a shining light.
Also, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, announced that though Ezeife died at a ripe old age, Ezeife was a great Nigerian. He said that Ohanaeze had resolved to award him the Hero of Igbo Land.
‘Today, Ohanaeze proclaim Ezeife as the hero of Igbo Land. He was a good man, and a very vocal man who spoke up against injustice. He will be missed,’ Iwuanyanwu said.
The former Governor was buried next day, April 20, in his country home in Igboukwu Community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
