The Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has congratulated former Governor of old Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, for turning 80, saying he is not only a detribalized Nigerian, but that Ezeife taught him progressive politics.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei, on Thursday, on behalf of the Governor while leading a high-powered delegation of Bayelsa people to the 80th birthday celebration of the elder statesman in Abuja on Tuesday said Ezeife is a rare Nigerian.
Dickson said he had the honour of working closely with the octogenarian politician and intellectual when he was chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Bayelsa State and later the National Legal Adviser of the party.
He also described Ezeife as a great family man, a leader of the South East, and a patriotic Nigerian political leader.
He congratulated the elder statesmen for being healthy and agile while entering the club of octogenarians.
He said: “I congratulate the former Governor of old Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, on his 80th birthday. I join him to thank God for his life, for God’s mercies to him. He is looking as agile and handsome at 80.
“He is not just a father to his family, he is more than being a citizen of Anambra State, he is more than being an Igbo, he is a Nigerian leader.
“He was one of those who mentored me in the art of progressive politics in the Alliance for Democracy. I had the honour of being the Chairman of the party in Bayelsa, and later it’s National Legal Adviser.
“You have been a role model, a father, a fighter for the oppressed people, a champion of right causes, you have constantly built bridges in Nigeria. That is why we are here to celebrate with you.”
Dickson lauds Ezeife at 80, says he taught him progressive politics
