From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
The remains of former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chuwkwuemeka Ezeife, were yesterday laid to rest in his country home, Igboukwu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The body was lowered into the grave by 12:14p.m after a church service by the Salvation Army Church with various leaders of the country in attendance.
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu described the late former governor as a true Nigerian that believed in the indivisibility of the country.
Tinubu, who was represented at the funeral by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, said that Ezeife was a patriotic leader, great bridge builder and outstanding academic who put justice, equity and integrity above any personal interest or desire.
“He was a pan-Nigerian who had the penchant for excellence in whatever he did and believed in the unity and diversity of Nigeria putting into consideration its position as a supper power, he took everybody as his own not minding your regional or religious origin,” the president said.
In his speech, Governor Chukwuma Soludo eulogized the former governor, describing him as a true son of Anambra State who contributed immensely to the development of the state.
Soludo thanked President Tinubu for his constant support and encouragement to the government of the state and Ezeife’s family since the death of the ex-governor.
The first son of Ezeife, Agbachukwu, said that the family would greatly miss him and his fatherly advice, adding that one great thing he thought his children was appreciation.
“We shall miss him greatly and one of the things that we learnt from my father is appreciation, but it’s the prayers of every father for his children to surpass his achievements and it is our promise that we will keep the light shining and go beyond what our father achieved,” he said.
The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi and the deputy governors of Anambra and Ebonyi states, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim and Mrs Patricia Obila were also in attendance.
Others were former governor of the state, Senator Chris Ngige and the Director General of South East Governors’ Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife, among others.
