Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife Former Anambra State Governor Dies at 85

ANAMBRA, (iexclusivenews) – Nigeria has lost one of its most prominent and respected leaders, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who died on Thursday at the age of 85.

Dr. Ezeife was a former governor of Anambra state, a former presidential adviser, and a veteran politician who played a significant role in the country’s democratic transition.

A Trailblazer in Governance and Politics

Dr. Ezeife was born on November 20, 1938, in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra state. He had a distinguished academic career, graduating with a BSc in Economics from the University College Ibadan in 1961.

He then proceeded to Harvard University in the United States, where he earned a Master’s and PhD degree in Economics in 1972, with the support of a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife joined the civil service in 1964 and rose to the position of a Federal Permanent Secretary in 1982. He was also a member of the 1988 Constituent Assembly that drafted the constitution for the Third Republic.

In 1991, he contested and won the governorship election in Anambra state under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

He served as the governor from January 1992 to November 1993, when the military coup led by General Sani Abacha terminated the democratic experiment.

As the governor of Anambra state, he initiated and implemented several developmental projects and policies that improved the welfare and infrastructure of the state.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife was instrumental in facilitating the transfer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Federal Polytechnic, Oko, from the state to the federal government, thereby securing their funding and sustainability during the subsequent military rule.

He also championed the cause of democracy and human rights in Nigeria, especially during the dark days of the Abacha regime.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife was one of the founding members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy group that opposed the military dictatorship and advocated for the restoration of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the military.

He later served as a Political Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2003, where he contributed to the consolidation of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife also aspired to become the president of Nigeria in 2007 under the banner of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), but did not succeed.

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A Legacy of Honour and Integrity

Dr. Ezeife was widely regarded as a man of honour, integrity, and patriotism. He was a staunch advocate of national unity, justice, and equity.

He was also a vocal voice for the interests and aspirations of the Igbo people and the South-East region.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his service to the nation.

He was also a devoted family man, who was married to his wife, Mrs. Anne Ezeife, for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and other relatives.

The Ezeife family of Igbo-Ukwu announced his death in a press statement on Friday, which read: “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. This event took place yesterday at 6 pm at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.”

The statement also expressed gratitude to God for the life and legacy of Dr. Ezeife, and requested for prayers and privacy for the family at this difficult time.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife will be remembered as a leader who served his people and his country with passion, dedication, and excellence. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and admired him. May his soul rest in peace.