The leadership of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has expressed grief at the sudden demise of the former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
Recall that the elder statesman passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. He was 85.
In a statement signed by Chief Edwin Clark, Leader; Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Leader, Afenifere; Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President, Middle Belt Forum; and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, National Chairman, PANDEF, the group extolled fond memories and the ingenuity of the Igbo leader.
The statement reads, in part:
“‘Okwadike, as he was fondly called, was a founding and staunch member of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum, a strong promoter, and an unshaken believer in the unity and progress of Nigeria, based on equity, fairness, and justice.
“We recall that he actively participated in the last meeting of the Forum (SMBLF) in Abuja on Thursday, October 26, 2023, where far-reaching decisions were made in the overall interest of the country.
“The Havard-trained economist was a prominent statesman, a politician of exceptional brilliance, high repute, and integrity.
“He was a man of firm resolve and typical modesty. Ezeife loved his people and Nigeria with passion.
“We will sorely miss his inspiring personality, brilliant ideas, vibrant contributions, and steadfast solidarity in our pursuit of an egalitarian Nigerian state that would be fair and just to all, irrespective of tribe, religion, or political inclination.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family in particular, as well as the government and people of Anambra State, the Igbo Nation, and Nigeria, which he served dedicatedly.
“We pray the Almighty God grants us all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and for the peaceful repose of the noble soul of our dearly beloved departed compatriot.”
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