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Vice-President Kashim Shettima extolled the late Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the first democratically elected governor of Anambra, as a pivotal force in advancing national harmony.
According to a statement from his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Mr. Shettima expressed these sentiments on Tuesday.
He led the country in paying homage to Mr. Ezeife at a ‘National Night of Tribute’ held in remembrance of the late elder statesman at the grandiose setting of the ThisDay Dome in Abuja.
Furthermore, the vice-president portrayed the late individual as a visionary statesman and an individual of extraordinary intellect.
He hailed Mr Ezeife as a “national colossus and a pillar of nationhood.”
In honoring Mr. Ezeife’s statesmanship, Mr. Shettima applauded his leadership skills demonstrated in the civil service and during his tenure as the premier civilian governor of Anambra.
He recognized Mr. Ezeife’s emphasis on strategic, long-range planning for sustainable development, even if it required prioritizing future progress over immediate requirements.
According to Mr Shettima, the deceased, fondly known as ‘Okwadike,’ was a true giant among men.
Read also: Nigeria Will Not Work Without South East – Shettima
The vice-president credited Mr Ezeife with igniting a spirit of self-belief within the Igbo community and championing their development through political and socio-cultural efforts.
“He was a mentor to many and always willing to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation. Ezeife was a testament to the power of resilience and an unwavering belief in the potential of our great nation,” he explained. “His legacy will be a beacon of hope, guiding us through the challenges that lie ahead.”
He acknowledged Mr. Ezeife’s commitment to deliberate, long-range planning for sustainable growth, even if it required prioritizing future advancements over immediate requirements.
“He was a chief advocate of a federal Nigeria to achieve unity and national cohesion. He advocated for effective governance at the grassroots,” Mr Akpabio said.
“He was a mentor to many and always willing to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation. Ezeife was a testament to the power of resilience and an unwavering belief in the potential of our great nation,” he explained. “His legacy will be a beacon of hope, guiding us through the challenges that lie ahead.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio paid tribute to Mr Ezeife with a sense of grief but dignity in his heart.
“He was a chief advocate of a federal Nigeria to achieve unity and national cohesion. He advocated for effective governance at the grassroots,” Mr Akpabio said.
