By; PAMELA EBOH, Awka
The Anambra State Government has commiserated with former Governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife over the death of his wife, Mrs. Njideka Ezeife.
Mrs Ezife who pased on three days ago, was the First Lady of Anambra State from Jamuary 1992 to November 1993 when her husband was the governor.
Ezeife who ran on the ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was the first elected civilian Govermor of Anambra State after it was created on August 27, 1991 by the military regime.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C Don Adinuba, described Ezeife’s late wife as one that played a significant role in making her husband a role model to a generation if not just Igbo people but all Nigerians.
The statement partly read, “Ezeife couldn’t proceed to secondary school after his primary education, but get ended up with a doctoral degree in economics from Havard, symbolizing the Igbo spirit to not just succeed but excel despite all odds.
“His wife was with him all the way during the years of tribulations and determination which ended up in praise.”
According to Adinuba, Mrs Ezeife would be remembered for her role i making the Ezeife administration adhere strictly to prudent financial management and laying the foundation for the subsequent development of the state.
He recalled that following the military coup. Ezeife and his wife returned to Lagos where the family shared a small family house on Awolowo Road i Ikoyi which served as both their residence and ofgice because they could not afford a bigger house.
He added, “Mrs Ezeife and the family accepted their new condition with philosophical equanimity. In facr, Mrs Ezeife encouragef her husband to cpntinue to take an active part in the affairs of the nation beginning with Anambra State because of her strong conviction that charity must always start at home.
“Dr Ezeife accepted the counsel, contributing robustly to Anambra’s rapud development in the ladt few years, like most other former governor of the state.
“In appreciation of hus sincere and energetic contribution, Governir Willie Obiano appointed him (Dr Ezeife) a member of the Anambra State Council of Elders when it was inaugurated, working alongside such dustinguished Anambra sons and daughters as Chuef Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary Feneral if the Common Wealth, Ifwe Nbaemeka Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha and formet Direcyor of Shell International, Iyom Josephine Anenih, a senior Lawyer and former Minuster of Eomen Affairs, among others.
“Governor Obiano has already personally condoled Dr Ezeife over the wife’s transition pledging that he and his family would say special prayers for the repose of Mrs Ezeife’s soul.
“The state administration has promised to patticipate effectively i her burial.”
