Osoba described Ezeife as a champion of democracy, adding that the deceased in his lifetime championed the course for a better Nigeria.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Dignitaries converged in Abuja on Monday for a national night of tributes in honour of the late former governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, represented by the Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi; and former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba.
Also present was former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim; former Osun State governor, Olagunsonye Oyinlola; chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obirorah Okonkwo among others.
Osoba, who chaired the event, described Ezeife as a champion of democracy, adding that the deceased in his lifetime championed the course for a better Nigeria.
He recalled that Ezeife and other eminent Igbo leaders initiated the handshake across the Niger to foster collaboration between the people of South East and South West.
According to him, the former Anambra governor supported the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, late Moshood Abiola, in his quest to be president of Nigeria.
Osoba added that even when the election was annulled, Ezeife was part of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which sought the revalidation of the poll.
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“Ezeife was a champion of truth, a champion of what is good for Nigeria, who supported Abiola fully and stood with us in NADECO,” he said.
“Ezeife 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.”
Anyim also paid glowing tribute to the departed statesman.
Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Okwesilieze Nwodo, said the best way to honour Ezeife was for Igbo leaders to live simple and courageous lives like the deceased.
Nwodo said, “As we mourn our own Okwadike, let us remind ourselves that death is an inevitable end and live lives that will impact humanity that we will be remembered for when we leave this world.
“Ezeife 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.”
