Igbo leaders have constituted a national committee for the funeral ceremony of the former governor of Anambra State and ex-chairman of the Igbo Elders Forum, Okwadike Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
The National Burial Committee with members from the six-geopolitical zones is chaired by the former governor of Enugu State, Okwesilieze Nwodo.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Thursday, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, expressed the determination of South East members of the House of Representatives to give Ezeife a befitting funeral in April.
Kalu bemoaned the incessant killings in the South East and the various military operations in the zone, which he said his office is addressing through an enterprise and empowerment programme for youths across the local government areas of the zone.
He expressed confidence in the passage and presidential assent for the Bill seeking the establishment of South East Development Commission, which had passed first, second and third readings at the House of Representatives to reconstruct and reconcile the zone with the rest of the country.
He described Ezeife as one of his models in leadership and good governance.
Reacting, Nwodo recalled Ezeife’s role in unifying the cultural groups in the country.
He said the funeral would begin in Abuja before the final event in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State,” adding that it will be a celebration of life of the elder statesman.
