Former Anambra state governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife has died at the age of 85.
According to a statement released by his family, Ezeife died on Thursday around 6 p.m.
“On behalf of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu, I wish to announce the promotion to glory of our most distinguished son, Okwadike, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, a former federal permanent secretary, the first executive governor of Anambra state, a former political adviser to the president and former presidential aspirant,” the statement signed by Rob Ezeife reads.
“This sad event took place yesterday at 6 pm at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
“More details about the deceased and the arrangements for his state burial will be announced later.”
In Nigeria’s third republic, Ezeife was elected governor of Anambra on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
He served as governor until ex-military ruler Sani Abacha seized central power in 1993.
Ezeife holds a BSc in Economics from University College Ibadan, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees from Harvard University.
When Nigeria’s fourth republic began in 1999, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as a special adviser on political matters.
