*Ezeife’s daughter: Why my father supported ObiChuks Okocha in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Former governor of Anambra State, late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, yesterday was eulogised by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, former governors, Mr. Peter Obi and Dr. Chris Ngige, former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, among others, as an upright man.
This was as the first daughter of Ezeife, Dr. Ogelue C. Ezeife Ugorji, revealed that her father, known for his firm stand on justice and equity, strongly supported the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, as he looked forward to a better and more united nation where every Nigerian would be treated justly and given a fair chance to succeed.
She said her father strongly believed that Obi would have made it happen.
Ezeife was laid to state at the International Convention Centre in Awka, where several dignitaries took time to eulogise him.
He was also declared the hero of Igboland by apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Governor Soludo said that Ezeife would be buried according to the Anambra burial law, adding that after the event, the burial would terminate on Saturday.
According to him, Ezeife left a legacy that would be difficult to match.
He 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.
On his part, Obi described Ezeife as one who lived for justice, noting that he was a fair Nigerian and a Nigerian that lived for all.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who announced that though Ezeife died at a ripe old age, described him as a great Nigerian.
He said that Ohanaeze had resolved to award him the Hero of Igboland.
“Today, Ohanaeze proclaimed Ezeife as Hero of Igboland. He was a good man, and a very vocal man who spoke up against injustice. He will be missed.”
Former deputy governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Nwodo and others hailed Ezeife as a shining light.
Dr. Ezeife-Ugorji made the revelation while paying a glowing tribute to her late father, Ezeife, at his Commendation Service in Awka.
A statement by the Obi media office signed by Dr. Tanko Yunusa, said Ezeife’s daughter stated that her father, Okwadike, held justice and equity very highly.
She narrated how Okwadike, during his last visit to the United States of America before his death, revealed that his unwavering support for Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, was borne out of his deep conviction that Obi would build a just and equitable nation.
She further described the late Okwadike as a man of wisdom, a lover of peace, and an emblem of unity. She said Okwadike was a truly detribalised Nigerian who related to everyone irrespective of tribe or religion.
She prayed to God to grant her beloved father eternal rest and to grant that his hopes of a just and equitable Nigeria be actualised.
The event was well attended by many dignitaries and revered Nigerians, including the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo; President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Former Governor of Enugu State, Okwesilieze Nwodo; Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige, and many others.
The former governor was buried yesterday at his country home in Igboukwu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
