The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has joined in mourning the death of first civilian Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

Obi in a post on X this Friday morning, December 15, 2023, said he received with sadness and shock the report of the death of Ezeife late Thursday night.

“He was a de-tribalized Nigerian nationalist who remained dedicated to the cause of good governance in Nigeria and contributed immensely to deepening the democratic ideals of our dear nation,” Obi said.

“To me, he was a father figure whose words of wisdom, advice, and encouragement greatly impacted me positively.

“In his death, Nigeria has lost a great soul whose kind heart and wise counsel are needed at this time of our travails as a nation.

“May God who called him home grant him eternal rest, and grant his family, and all of us who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss.”

Ezeife’s death was announced in a statement issued by Chief Rob Ezeife on behalf of the family.

Ezeife, who was the governor of Anambra state between January 1992 to November 1993, was said to have died at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja on Thursday.

“On behalf of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu, I wish to announce the promotion to glory of our most distinguished son, ‘Okwadike’, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, a former Federal Permanent Secretary, a former governor of Anambra State, a former Political Adviser to the President and former Presidential aspirant,” the statement read.

“This sad event took place yesterday at 6 pm at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.

“More details about the deceased and the arrangements for his state burial will be announced later.” (Adapted from a report by The Guardian)

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