The Civil Liberties Organization, CLO in Anambra State has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide to accord a befitting burial to a former governor of Anambra State and Presidential Adviser, Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
This the group said, will be in appreciation of his selfless services and sacrifices towards the socioeconomic and political development of Anambra State, Southeast, and Nigeria.
The appeal was contained in a press statement issued to newsmen on Thursday, signed by Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, the CLO Chairman.
The group described Dr.Ezeife as a patriotic, prudent, selfless,
“He was at the forefront in agitation for socioeconomic justice for the southeast, election of Nigerian President of Igbo extraction, creation of an additional state for the Southeast, unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, an end to Monday sit at home, improved security and strict implementation of Yakubu Gowon’s post-war three R- Reconciliation, Reconstruction
“As governor, he was prudent, transparent, patrioti
“As permanent secretary, he had an unblemished track record and as Presidential Adviser, he told the president out of patriotism what he needed to know and do.
“He laid the foundation for a new Anambra State, introduced think-home philosophy and weekly town hall meetings with cross seçtions of citizens. He left a huge amount of money in government coffers while leaving office.
“Ezeife played indispensable roles before, during, and after the November 2021 governorship election and ensured that people’s votes counted. He also mobilized the people of the southeast and beyond to participate actively during last year’s general election.
“Pertinently, the apogee of his patriotism and love for his people, was when he declined to celebrate his 85th birthday due to the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and inability to actualize Nigerian President of Igbo extraction,” the statement read.
The Anambra CLO further said Ezeife, popularly known as Okwadike, was the voice for the voiceless, detribalized, and always stood for what is right, fair, just, and credible, regardless of the consequences.
“This is the most appropriate time for the government and people of Anambra, Southeast, and OHANEZE NDIGBO, to reciprocate the sacrifices and selfless services rendered to Ndigbo by Chief Dr.Pius Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
“CLO equally calls on both Federal and Anambra states to immortalize him.
“The National Assembly should out of patriotism, expedite actions towards passage of a bill for an act establishing Southeast Development Commission as the greatest honor to the Late Harvard-trained economist and political icon,” they said.
