A renowned American philosopher and author of “The Supreme Philosophy of Man’’, Alfred Armand Montapert, said, “The monument of a great man is not of granite or marble or bronze.
Sir: A renowned American philosopher and author of “The Supreme Philosophy of Man’’, Alfred Armand Montapert, said, “The monument of a great man is not of granite or marble or bronze.
It consists of his goodness, his deeds, his love and his compassion.” This attribute fittingly matched the persona of one man, a noble, the Okwadike Igboukwu, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, an economist and elder statesman, born in Igboukwu, Anambra State on November 20, 1937 but bid farewell on December 14, 2023 at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja at age 85.
The charismatic, eloquent and fearless advocate of equity and justice on Nigeria-project was a brilliant politician and former governor of Anambra State from January 1992 to November 1993 during the Nigerian Third Republic. From record, his unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and national development is unparalleled.
Despite having his constituency in Anambra State, Okwadike took Nigeria space as his constituency as everything that affects any part of the country from North, Middle Belt, Niger Delta, southwest to southeast concerned him. Thus, the great icon was a detribalised Nigerian. His hate of injustice is one virtue the former governor was awesomely, reputably known for.
Possibly, many don’t know all the arrowheads in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that sacrificed their lives to chase out the military out of power during the days of General Sani Abacha. The roll call cannot flow without names like; Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Ayo Opadokun, Olu Falae, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Segun Osoba, and later, returnees from exile including Chief Anthony Enahoro, Ralph Obioha, John Odigie, amongst others. These brave men resiliently fought the good fight.
Beyond the NADECO project, Dr. Ezeife positively touched many lives in diverse ways too. Apart from the chieftaincy title of ‘Okwadike Igboukwu’, he also bagged numerous chieftaincy titles in many parts of the country including ‘Garkuwan Fika in Yobe State.
In Hausa language, ‘Garkuwan’ translates to ‘Shield’ and also, ‘Akintolugboye of Egbaland’ from the southwest region. From the dictionary, a ‘shield’ means a broad piece of defensive armour carried on the arm, or something or someone that protects or defends. This appropriately gives an idea and attests to his personality and principles.
As a product of the Harvard University in the United States of America and a man who walks the talk, Ezeife beyond his advocacy for education, in his community at Igboukwu when in health often volunteered to teach, interact with, motivate pupils, and watch over the school adjacent his country home in Igboukwu to underline that charity begins from home.
During a personal encounter with him some time ago at his Asokoro residence, you could vividly see passion, devotion to unity and hunger for a working nation in him.
Thus, while the mourning and tributes continue considering that he overwhelmingly deserved them, it is imperative to also emulate the lifestyle. He believed in doing what is right and fair to everyone. So, it is not sufficient to mourn him in words, but also in deed by walking his talks.
Carl Umegboro, a lawyer, public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.
Leave a Reply