The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), on Saturday, urged the political class in the country to emulate late Gov. Chukwuemeka Ezeife’s selfless and public-spirited life-style.
Ezeife, 85, popularly known as Okwadike, passed on at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, on Dec. 14 after an illness.
Chairman of CLO, Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu shortly after the CLO members paid a condolence visit to the Ezeifes in Igboukwu community, Aguata Local Government Area.
Ezekwueme called on the political class to understudy the patriotic, selfless, prudent, humble and honest life-style of Ezeife.
According to him, “I am humbled and overwhelmed by the humble and selfless life-style of former Gov. Ezeife.”
He said that late Ezeife always bore the interest of the larger society at heart than his personal or family interest, adding that his passion for social justice, rule of law, good governance and socioeconomic justice was unequalled.
“As governor, he prudently and judiciously utilized Anambra State funds for public good and left humongous money while leaving office.
“Ezeife held weekly town hall meetings with a cross section of citizens and got feedback on impacts of government policies and programs.
“His was a super human and rare gift to humanity which manifested when he declined to celebrate his birthday unless Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was released and a Nigerian of Igbo extraction elected president.
“He was instrumental towards ensuring that the people’s votes counted during the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State.
“He rendered unequal and unblemished meritorious services as civil servant, permanent secretary, governor and presidential adviser,” he said.
The CLO boss appealed to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, Ohaneze Ndigbo, United Igbo Elders Council, The Patriots, political class and civil society organizations to accord “our late servant/ leader a befitting state burial.”
He prayed to God to forgive and forget Ezeife’s shortcomings and grant eternal repose of his humble soul in paradise.
