..As the Former Governor Goes Home At 85
By Christian Aburime
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has assured of carrying the banner of the ideals and beliefs of former Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife forward.
Governor Soludo who made this declaration during the burial ceremony of the former Governor held at his country home, Igboukwu, Aguata Council Area, said that Late Ezeife lived a life of purpose, service and dedication to God, describing him as the change he preached.
Decrying his demise as the end to an era, Governor Soludo emphasized that as the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife did not discriminate on the basis of tribe, state of origin or religion, pointing out that he was someone who based appointments and others on merit and excellence and hoped for a Nigeria of fairness, equity and justice.
Soludo recalled that Dr. Ezeife employed two non-Anambra indigenes into the civil service, saying that those two people have today been promoted to the position of permanent secretaries under his administration, in addition to five thousand teachers employed from eighteen states of the federation under his watch.
In his speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, eulogized Ezeife for his dedication and genuine clamour for a just united Nigeria. The President, further, described Ezeife as someone who elevated integrity above personal interest all through his life both public and private
The burial which featured the Twenty-One Gun salute in honour of the former Governor of Anambra State Late Chukwuemeka Ezeife (Okwadike) had Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Former Governors Chris Ngige, Peter Obi and Dame Virgy Etiaba, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Bishop Samuel Ezeoffor, other dignitaries, friends and well wishers in attendance.
Photos from the Grave Side: