Etsu Nupe, Oyegun, Kalu, others pay tribute to Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, says he is man of Unity, Good Governance

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Brigadier General Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd., CFR), the Emir and Etsu Nupe of Bida, and Chairman of the Traditional Council of Niger State, at the public presentation of a book in honour of His Excellency Dr. Chukwuemeka P. Ezeife, the first civilian governor of Anambra State, titled Constitutional Law, Politics, and Good Governance, held at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Monday, May 5, 2025, described Dr. Ezeife as a friend, elder, and brother. He reflected on a conversation with Dr. Ezeife before his passing.

He said: “I met him several years before he departed this world. I had some discussions with a close one, and I concluded that this is a man who strongly believed in one people, one nation, and one destiny. I pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.”

Standard-Times Nigeria reports that the Etsu Nupe described Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife as a man who found it easy to relate with people across different backgrounds, religious, ethnic, and linguistic. “Wherever you are from, he communicated with ease. We can only pray for Almighty God to grant him eternal rest,” he added, after observing a minute of silence in his honour.

He said the book, Constitutional Law, Politics, and Good Governance, written in honour of the late Ezeife—described as a brother, elder, and grandfather—would provide deep insight for every Nigerian who loves the country and believes in the philosophy of unity.

Chief John Odigie Oyegun, former governor of Edo State and chairman of the public presentation, described His Excellency Dr. Ezeife as a good friend. Reflecting on his absence from previous events due to unforeseen circumstances, Oyegun said: “I’m glad today that his wife and son ensured that I’m here. I had no difficulty accepting to attend this occasion.”

“We were good friends. The three of us were recruited around the same time into the relatively new Ministry of Economic Development. We had just left university—His Excellency Ezeife had just returned from the U.S., I (John Odigie Oyegun), and Chief Falaye from the University of Ibadan. Those were great days, just after independence. We were full of ideas and excitement, ready to serve. There were days we slept in the office. We’d go to Bar Beach to relax before returning to the office—22 floors of the Independence Building—even when the elevators didn’t work. We climbed, committed to service.”

Oyegun continued: “Back then, India couldn’t feed itself. Brazil and Malaysia were still developing. The world believed in Nigeria’s potential. We received support for our development efforts.”

He concluded: “We were the ‘three musketeers’—happy young men working together. All three of us became federal permanent secretaries. To lose him—the first of the three—is a deep loss.”

Chief Oyegun thanked those who put the publication together. “Ezeife was clearly the most intellectual among us. We admired and valued that. I want to say, may God bless and prosper you for honouring him.”

He added: “I’m pleased to see this crowd gathered to honour the late Ezeife. I wish you a rewarding event.”

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, described the book Constitutional Law, Politics, and Good Governance as a fitting tribute to a statesman, economist, and beacon of principled leadership.

He said: “Today, we gather not only to present a monumental scholarly work but also to honour the towering legacy of His Excellency Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife Okwadike, CON—a man born in Igbo-Ukwu in 1937, who rose from humble beginnings to Harvard-trained economist, federal permanent secretary, and the first civilian governor of Anambra State. His life is a testament to resilience, intellect, and national service.”

He continued: “As governor, he championed the ‘Think Home’ initiative, inspiring investment in Anambra and facilitating the upgrade of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Federal Polytechnic, Oko, to federal institutions. His legacy in education and economic development endures.”

Kalu noted that Ezeife advocated credible elections, good governance, and unity, even at personal cost. “His life teaches us integrity, humility, and the pursuit of a just society.”

Represented by his Special Assistant, Kalu emphasized: “This book mirrors the ideals Dr. Ezeife lived and fought for. Let us strive for a Nigeria where the constitution is not just symbolic, but the soul of the nation; where governance is real and inclusive.”

Responding to journalists, Ebubedike Ezeife, son of the late Okwadike, expressed gratitude to attendees: “Our father’s legacy is one we are committed to preserving. This book launch is only the beginning. His leadership stood for fairness, justice, and equality.”

He stressed the importance of distributing the book to universities and colleges: “It should be studied in law, government, and political science. He was passionate about this book and wanted all Nigerians to benefit from it.”

The book presentation event was graced by dignitaries from across Nigeria and featured traditional rites, including the breaking of kola nuts and cultural performances.