Tinubu, Soludo, Ohanaeze mourn former Anambra gov, Ezeife

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the former Governor of Anambra state, Chukuwuemeka Ezeife (CON).

The president sympathises with the late Ezeife’s family, the people, and the government of Anambra state over the former governor’s death.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

Also, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said that it will be difficult for the state to fill the space that Ezeife’s death caused.

The statement from Ngelale partly read, “President Tinubu extols the towering influence of the former federal permanent secretary in Nigeria’s political landscape as well as his leadership credentials, describing his passing as a painful loss.

“The President recalls the contributions the late Chief Ezeife made in the shaping of public discourse and governance in Nigeria, as well as in laying the foundation for the advancement of his dear state.

“While praying for the repose of the soul of the dearly departed, the President encourages his loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacy.”

“However, we find solace in the knowledge that his legacy of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the common good will continue to inspire us all.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo extends his deepest condolences to Dr Ezeife’s family and loved ones. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement added.

Similarly, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed shock over the death of Ezeife.

Ohanaeze said in a statement on Friday that the organisation received with deep shock the passing on of yet another Igbo leader in the person of Ezeife, describing him as “Titan, a one-man riot squad, an erudite scholar and astute bureaucrat, a brave and thoughtful dogged fighter, an accomplished politician.”

In the statement signed by Ohanaeze National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, the former Governor of Anambra State, popularly called Okwadike, Ohanaeze said was a consistent purveyor of morals, justice, and equity.

It said Ezeife was a remarkable advocate of progressivism in its purest tradition, adding that “when the Moshood Abiola Mandate was truncated, Ezeife risked the military dungeon in the pursuit of justice.

“A detribalised patriot who warned that unless there is a re-federalisation of Nigeria and fundamental restructuring of the polity, Nigeria will continue to grope in the dark.

Ezeife, an Igbo leader and elder statesman died at the Federal Medical Centre Abuja on Thursday at the age of 85.

His family announced his passing in a statement signed by Rob Ezeife.