…Ohanaeze confers posthumous Hero’ award of Ezeife
From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
As the remains of Dr. Chuwkwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra state are committed to mother earth, Governor Chukwuma Soludo led other prominent Nigerians especially former governors of Anambra state to pay glowing tributes to the former Governor.
Prominent among the activities heralding the internment of the former Governor was the conferment of Hero Award on Ezeife by the apex socio cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo.
In a commendation service which was held in his honour at the International Convention Centre, Awka, Governor Soludo said the moment was emotional and described the former Governor as a personal mentor who encouraged him all the while.
While describing him as a true Nigerian, Governor Soludo said that former Governor Ezeife taught him the principles to live and die for as Nigerians.
He said that he laid the foundation for law and order which was why his burial is compliant to the state burial law, and that he lived the true essence of patriotism which are legacies that propel him.
Also speaking, the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, LP and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi said Ezeife lived a life of justice which its aspiration is to have a Nigeria that cares for all.
Former Governor Dame Virgy Etiaba also described Dr. Ezeife as a great pillar of the Nigerian nation, being a lover of human beings.
The former Governor of Enugu State, Chief Okwesileze Nwodo and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Sylvester Okonkwo described Okwadike as a man who stood and fought for the unity of Nigeria, based on equity, fairness and justice.
While announcing the conferment of the hero of Igbo land on late Ezeife, the President of Ohanézè Ndígbo Worldwide, Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu thanked former Governor Ezeife for doing a lot for Ndi Igbo.
From the academia, the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone said the late Dr. Ezeife made uncommon contributions towards the existence of the institution.
The commendation service which was led by members of the Salvation Army, featured the mounting guard of honour for the former Governor at the Government House, Awka.
In attendance at the event included the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Dr Chris Ngige and the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa.