The Anambra State Government has commiserated with former Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife over the death of his wife, Mrs Njideka Ezeife.
Mrs Ezeife, Anambra’s former first lady, reportedly died three days ago.
A press release by the Anambra State government, which was signed by the commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba praised Mrs Ezeife for her tenacity, and for sticking with her husband, Dr Ezeife even in time of tribulations.
Adinuba also condoled with Ezeife for the loss, while stating that the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has personally called to console the former governor, Ezeife.
Adinuba wrote: “Mrs Ezeife was the Anambra State First Lady from January, 1992, to November, 1993, when the husband was the state governor. Dr Ezeife, who ran on the ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was the first elected Anambra State governor following the creation of the state on August 27, 1991, by the military regime.
“Mrs Njideka Ezeife played a significant part in making the husband become a role model to a generation of not just Igbo people but all Nigerians.
“His wife was with him all the way during the years of tribulations and determination which ended up in Chukwumapraise.”
Adinuba noted that Mrs Ezeife would be remembered also for her role in making the Ezeife administration adhere strictly to prudent financial management and laying the foundation for the subsequent development of the state.
“The state had just been created when he assumed office, and it had practically no infrastructure, no offices, no facilities and no funds.
“Following the military coup, Ezeife and his wife returned to Lagos where the family shared a small family house on Awolowo Road in Ikoyi which served as both their residence and office because they could not afford a bigger house.
“Far from bemoaning their fate, Mrs Ezeife and the family accepted their new condition with philosophical equanimity.
“In fact, Mrs Ezeife encouraged her husband to continue 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 rapid development in the last few years, like most other former governors of the state.
“In appreciation of his sincere and energetic contribution, Governor Willie Obiano appointed him a member of the Anambra State Council of Elders when it was inaugurated, working alongside such distinguished Anambra sons and daughters.
“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,” he wrote.
