Osoba, Anyim, Afenifere, others extol leadership virtues of late

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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and other eminent Nigerians have eulogised the leadership virtues of the former Governor of Anambra State, the late Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

Stakeholders, including leaders of Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndigbi, and other socio-ethnic groups, gave commendations in Abuja on Monday night during the Night of Tributes organised in honour of the late Ezeife, who died at the age of 85.

Some of the dignitaries in attendance include: former Governor of Osun State, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim; former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abaribe; and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

Others are: former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha; President General Ohaneze Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obirorah Okonkwo; members of the House of Representatives; and members of the Afenifere and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), among others.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Segun Osoba, who acknowledged the immense contribution of the late Ezeife to the democratic development of the country, described the late Ezeife as a champion of democracy. Osoba stated that the deceased, in his lifetime, was in the vanguard for a better Nigeria.

He recalled that the late Ezeife and other eminent Igbo leaders initiated the handshake across Niger to foster collaboration between the people of the South East and South West.

According to him, the former Anambra supported the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief MKO Abiola, fully in his quest to be President of Nigeria. Osoba added that even when the election was annulled, the late Ezeife was part of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which sought the revalidation of the poll.

He said, “Ezeife was a champion of truth. A champion of what is good for Nigeria. He supported Abiola fully.
He stood with us in NADECO. He was among those who started what is called the handshake across the Niger. We are enjoying democracy today because the likes of Ezeife stood for Nigeria.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the National Burial Committee, Okwesilieze Nwodo, said the best way to honour the late Ezeife was for Igbo leaders to live simple and courageous lives like the deceased former governor.

He said, “As we mourn our own Okwadike, let us remind ourselves that death is an inevitable end and live lives that will impact humanity and that we will be remembered for when we leave this world.

“Okwadike lived a life that we are all proud of today, so I admonish you all to imbibe such a lifestyle for the benefit of those we will leave behind at death.”

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