National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chukwuma Okoro
President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to the late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife during his burial ceremony in Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. He hailed Ezeife as a dedicated advocate for peace and unity in Nigeria and praised his contributions to national development.
Represented by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Tinubu also lauded Ezeife’s courage and leadership qualities, emphasizing his lasting impact on society.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, also poured encomiums on the former governor but expressed concern over the violation of the state’s burial laws during Ezeife’s funeral. He condemned the printing of brochures, banners, and other materials, citing the legal restrictions on such practices. Soludo stressed the importance of upholding the law equally for all citizens, regardless of their status.
Soludo said, “I must not leave without saying this: If the Okwadike (Ezeife) that I knew were to be alive, he would not have supported most of what is being done here today. When I got here and saw brochures printed, I said ‘this is wrong,’ because it is against the Anambra State Burial Law.
“Some people sent me texts, requesting to print some materials for the burial but I told them they don’t have waivers to do such because it is against the burial law in Anambra State. Printing of any materials for burial in Anambra is meant to be for just one day. That is the law.
“We won’t enforce the law when a poor man dies and then overlook it when a rich man dies. I did not pass the law; the law was passed two years before I became governor of Anambra State.” he said.
The burial ceremony was attended by notable figures including former Governor Peter Obi, Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Victor Umeh, and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. Soludo praised Ezeife’s integrity and adherence to principles, highlighting his exemplary life and values.
