From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Association of Igbo Town Unions,ASITU, described the death of the former Governor of Anambra State,Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, as a huge loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria.
Ezeife died yesterday in Abuja, at the age of 85 years.
National President of ASETU, Chief Sir Emeka Diwe,in a condolence message, extolled the lofty contributions of the former Governor in the pursuit of justice, rule of law, defense and survival of democracy in Nigeria.
The group explained that Ezeife sacrificed a lot for the economic and political development of the Igbo nation.
ASITU urged the federal government to name a national institution in his honour in recognition of his heroic role in the defense of our democracy while the South East Governors should honour him by naming a regional asset of the zone after the renowned icon.
Diwe stated that ASITU was most pained about Ezeife’s exit in view of the fact that he left when Nigeria needed men like him most to navigate through her current political problems.
He said; “We are sad that our icon left when Nigerian democracy is under serious threat and needs brave, courageous, intelligent and honest men like him to salvage it from retrogression. It is sad that Ezeife did not live to see genuine democracy he fought for to take root in Nigeria.
“His death is more painful when we realize that the democracy he staked so much to nurture and defend is yet to survive and stabilize before his exit.Ezeife was a true hero of democracy.
“Ndigbo and Nigeria have lost again a rare gem, true patriot and hero of democracy who stood for justice and fairness.”
The ASITU boss regretted that most of the things the Igbo leader fought for such as the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still lingering.
ASITU urged Ezeife’s family as well as the Government and people of Anambra State to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a heroic life of legacy and sacrifice.