The Civil Liberties Organisation on Saturday condoled the Ezeife family, Igboukwu community, Anambra people and the entire Igbo over the demise of a former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

Mr Ezeife, 85, who is popularly known as Okwadike, passed on at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, on December 14 after an illness.

The Chairman of the CLO in Anambra State, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, said during an interview in Enugu that Mr Ezeife was a renowned Igbo leader who wanted to see a progressive Nigeria and humanity at large.

According to him, the CLO received with shock the death of the apostle of think home philosophy and good governance at this moment of our national life in which his services were needed more than ever before.

He said, “Ex-Gov. Ezeife was compassionate, statesman, patriot, humanitarian and selfless servant of the people. He laid the foundation of the new Anambra State; believed in prudent and transparent management of public funds for public good.

“Ezeife introduced town hall meetings every Wednesday to know the needs, expectations as well as impacts of policies and programmes of his administration and received feedback from cross sections of the citizens.

“He was a man of uprightness, integrity, justice, truth and a personality with impeccable character.’’

Mr Ezekwueme recalled that during the June 12, 1993, imbroglio, he stood for the winner of the election, Chief MKO Abiola.

His preference to relinquish his exalted position than to stand for injustice singled him out as a unique gift to humanity.

The CLO boss also noted that as a permanent secretary, Mr Ezeife was patriotic, diligent, astute and alive to his responsibilities.

He said, “We remember with nostalgia his humility, prudence, transparency and selflessness as a governor which necessitated him leaving a humongous amount while leaving office. Pertinently, as presidential adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr Ezeife told him what he needed to know.

“The apogee of his patriotic disposition was his decline to celebrate his birthday unless Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was released and a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction actualised, which he was passionate for.”

Mr Ezekwueme said that his family, Igboukwu community, Aguata council area, Anambra and the entire Igbo people and his loved ones should take solace in the fact that he led a “selfless, patriotic, outstanding and remarkable life,” worthy of commendation, emulation and appreciation.

The CLO boss prayed for the eternal repose of his gentle and humble soul and for God to give his wife, children, Igboukwu community, Aguata council area, Anambra State and Igbo people the grace and fortitude to bear the irreparable and irreplaceable loss.

“CLO calls for fervent prayers for intervention of God over incessant death of prominent Igbo leaders in recent time, which included: Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, ex-Gov. Chinwoke Mbadinuju and now Ezeife,’’ he added.

(NAN)