—— Says IDEKE was widely respected for his fearless stance on issues affecting the ordinary citizen and his refusal to compromise on integrity.
A Public Affairs Analyst and Chairman, Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, made this known while speaking on a topic “ The State Of The Nation,” on Freedom Square, a programme on Solid FM, 100.9, anchored by Uchenna Cyril Anioke.
Dr. Igboke paid glowing tribute to the late Senator Okey Ezea, describing him as a dogged, courageous, and principled leader whose life was defined by resilience and unwavering commitment to justice.
In a heartfelt statement, Dr. Igboke said the passing of Senator Ezea was a profound loss not only to Enugu North Senatorial District but to the entire nation.
According to him, “he was a dogged man right from his days in school. We had a mutual friend, Prof Nick Idokwu whom I knew through Ezea so many years that time. senator Ezea Ventured into business, customs, went into shipping line and formed IDEKE Shipping Line which was so popular as a brand. Remember he was the one that founded APC in Enugu State in 2013 when nobody knew what was called APC, before he went ahead become a governorship candidate. That shows he was a man of very strong conviction.
Continuing, he was not thrown into popular stream of belonging to a bandwagon. He didn’t show bandwagon effect. He was in APC before he Left for Labour Party and got the Senatorial ticket finally. So it was very sad and a lot of people didn’t know he was sick, because his appearances at the Senate was so viable because he was vibrant. It is not just a loss to Ndi NSKA, not just a loss to the Nigerian Senate but a loss to all of us in Enugu and Nigeria. He refused to cross to APC and also one of his kind too, our friend Harrison Ogara refused to cross too. They are of strong conviction that they are here to serve the people and not a political party. It is a great loss to us.”
He highlighted the senator’s long-standing commitment to community development, public accountability, and fair representation, adding that his contributions would remain a lasting legacy in the political history of Nsukka and the South-East.
Igboke extended condolences to the senator’s family, associates, and constituents, urging them to find strength in the exemplary life he lived.