By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, has described the demise of former Anambra State governor, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, as a huge loss to mostly Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.

Umeh in a statement he signed to the late elder statement on Friday said: “The demise of the Harvard trained economist, has robbed Nigeria and Ndigbo of a great icon and patriot.”

He regretted that Ezeife died without seeing Nigeria of his dream.

While saying that he received the news with sadness, he added: “I received the News of the death of His Excellency, Dr. CHUKWUEMEKA PIUS EZEIFE this morning with sadness.

“Dr. Ezeife’s death is another huge loss to Nigeria and Ndigbo in particular.

“Dr. Ezeife who is more known as Okwadike Igboukwu was a man who grew from Grass to Grace through uncommon hardwork and perseverance.

“From very difficult beginning, he fought with resilience to acquire education to the top level of bagging a doctorate degree in the renowned Harvard University in America, despite not having a formal Secondary School Education.

“On his return to Nigeria, he joined the Federal Civil Service where he distinguished himself and retired as a Federal Permanent Secretary.”

The statement further reads: “Ezeife joined politics and was elected governor of Anambra State through the SDP, and was sworn in on the 2nd of January, 1992,

“Despite his ouster through the Military Coup of November, 1993, he remained undaunted and rebounded with the return of democratic rule in 1999.

“He served Nigeria in several capacities and was a well-known Social Crusader.

“When he retired from active politics, he devoted the rest of his life in campaigning for equity and fairness for his Igbo people in Nigeria.

“He was a frontline advocate of equality of civil rights for all Nigerians. Dr. Ezeife was an Inspirator and Motivator.

“He was very brave and never shielded away from speaking his mind and the truth, no matter whose ox is gored!

“I mourn his exit, particularly as I am certain that he did not see a Nigeria of his dream before his departure, just like the rest of his compatriots who transited before him.

“We shall miss his Indefatigable Spirit and huge sense of humour.

“The Igbo Nation, nay Nigeria has lost one of the greatest sons that bestrode this Country.

“I send my deep condolences to his Family members and all his Associates who will be definitely sorrowful with his death. May his gallant Soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.”

On his part, the senator representing Anambra North Senatorial Zone, Senator Dr. Tony Nwoye, echoed the words of Umeh, saying that Ezeife’s exit is a great loss to Ndi Igbo and Nigeria.

He expressed deep sorrow and sadness over the demise of the former Governor of Anambra State in a statement, saying: “I acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the late statesman to nation building.”

Nwoye also extolled the leadership qualities of thedeceased, adding that he was a notable figure in national politics.

The lawmaker added: “Ezeife was Former Governor and a Presidential Adviser on Political Matters to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“As Governor and Administrator, he contributed to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria through various platforms. He was a seasoned public administrator, consummate politician and outstanding philanthropist.

“He was a man of great intellect, vision and courage who contributed immensely to the cause of our nation's unity and development. He dedicated himself to building bridges to a better future and in this way he touched the lives of all of us in the entire Nation.

“Today we mourn the passing of a great son of Anambra State, Ndi Igbo and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has left behind a powerful legacy of humility, simplicity and dedication in our struggle for democratic culture, unity, justice, peace and prosperity in Anambra and Nigeria at large.

“The entire Anambra North senatorial Zone and I share with the bereaved family, the Anambra State government and Nigeria, the feelings of great loss at this moment of deep sorrow.

“Senator Dr. Tony Nwoye prays for the sweet repose of his gentle soul and for God to grant those he Left behind the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”