Chineme, one of the daughters of a former governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, talks about her father’s political career with MOTUNRAYO JOEL
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Chineme Ezeife, I’m a 500 Level Law student of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos. I will describe myself as someone who aspires to inspire. I hope to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in the nearest future. I have 14 siblings; I come from a polygamous home. My father has three wives. I am the 12th child.
How was it growing up with your father?
It was great. My father is a disciplinarian to the core, and he always made sure we did what was right. Aside from that, I had a normal childhood. I still remember my school days; whenever we got home from school, he would make us read our books. He didn’t allow us waste time playing around.
Coming from a polygamous home was your childhood different?
My childhood was beautiful; my father sees family bonding as something of importance. He doesn’t joke with his family. He ensured that we all grew up in the same house, we ate the same food and went to the same school. We are all very close, despite our large number. I speak to step sisters and brothers regularly.
How do people react when they hear your surname?
People are always surprised, but I always get positive reactions from them. Whenever they see my surname, they ask if I’m his daughter and when I say yes, they become surprised. I get so much help here and there. However, my father raised us up to be independent. He doesn’t write his name on any letter he gives us; he says we should strive to make a name for ourselves. I have enjoyed many privileges being his daughter.
What are some of these?
They are numerous. I had my secondary education in the East and he insisted on us learning our language. Over there, he is well known; they see him as incorruptible and someone that says his mind. Because of these qualities, people always wanted to help us and they even offered to go an extra mile in helping. I’m really grateful for that.
Can you remember your most memorable moment growing up?
There are many memorable moments; my father is a super dad. Every day is memorable.
How did he discipline his children whenever they erred?
My father never spared the rod, he used to flog us. He would ask us to bring a cane that is our height and he used it on us. But now, he corrects us verbally. He is a man of few words; if anyone of us misbehaved, he would tell us exactly what we have done wrong. He uses words and expression to chastise us.
Describe your parents’ marriage?
It is one of understanding, mutual respect and trust.
How does he handle misunderstanding with your mother?
He is a politician who knows how to calm things down.
Does he advise you on the type of man to marry?
Yes, he regularly does. He always tells us to think with our head and not our eyes. He says we should use our brain when it comes to marriage. He tells us not to marry a dream killer; instead we should marry someone that would strengthen our dreams.
Are there times when your family feels scared for his life, being a politician?
Yes, so many times. He is considered controversial, which I don’t think he is, but people see him that way. He is someone that speaks his mind. There are times when he writes articles and I become scared for his life. Some of his write-ups on Boko Haram and sectionalisation are straight to the point. I’m always praying to God to protect him. During the National Confab, I received a text that there was a bomb blast in Abuja, I became so scared.
Did he influence the career choices of his children or encourage them to go into politics?
No, he didn’t. He believes a child should follow his or her dreams. He believes in the independence of mind, will and action. He never pushes us to do anything, he only mentors and advises us on how to achieve our goals. He doesn’t encourage us to go into politics, though a few of us have decided to go into politics. But that is our personal decision. For example, I am interested in going into politics in my latter years. We have different professions in my family — lawyers, accountants, engineers and others.
What did your father say motivated him to join politics?
My father is a social democrat, an economist, and prior to his political career, he always wanted to make a difference and move things forward. I guess joining politics was just the most logical step to take. All these motivated him to go into politics.
What is his view on corruption in Nigeria?
He sees corruption as a fundamental problem in Nigeria that has eaten deep into the system. Majority of our leaders are guilty of corruption. Only a few is incorruptible and he says he is among the few. He hopes Nigeria becomes a better place.
What are his views about the 2015 elections and where does his allegiance lie?
All through the elections, he had supported President Jonathan’s brand, he wanted a continuity of progress, but it is God’s will for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to take over. We can now fold our hands and wait for the ‘promised change’ and we pray it comes to pass. Generally, he thinks the election was free and fair and that the results are God’s will. We really thank God for the success of the elections.
Who did he support during the presidential elections?
President Goodluck Jonathan.
What values have you imbibed from him?
Hard work and diligence, my father is a hard worker. He tells us that when he was having his Ordinary National Diploma, he taught himself at home and, read alone. That was how he managed to pass and gained admission to the university. He teaches us that there is no barrier to one’s success. I have also learnt honesty from him.
What is it that Nigerians don’t know about him?
My father is funny, he likes cracking jokes. He also likes to laugh; there is no boring moment with him. He reads a lot and he still goes jogging every morning.
Does he read what people write about him?
Yes, he does, regularly.
How does he handle criticisms?
He handles it really well. If one is outspoken, one must be ready to face critics.
Some people think he is rich because he is into politics. Will you consider him a rich man?
No, my father is not a rich man, he is only comfortable. He sent us to good schools and made sure we are comfortable. He doesn’t spend extravagantly.
What are his views about religion and ethnic divisions in the country?
He sees division as a natural issue but he says divisions from different sects are perpetrated by ignorant people that need to be educated. He believes in unity despite our diverse religions.
What does he have to say about President Goodluck’s tenure?
He thinks President Jonathan made progress. Even though whatever he did were impeded by insurgency, it was hard for President Jonathan to do more. My father believes if given another chance, the President would have done more.
Who are some of your father’s closest friends and contemporaries?
My father doesn’t have so many friends, but I know he is close to Chief Edwin Clark, though they are not contemporaries.
Who were the famous faces you saw at home?
I saw many of them, senators, commissioners, ex governors and I still see them.
Where does he see himself in the next few years?
He is quite old in age. But he desires to be part of the proposed change.
Does he believe the President-elect, Gen. Buhari can bring about the change?
I don’t know his view on that but he says Gen. Buhari’s victory is the will of God. We all pray things work out well.
What are his hobbies?
He likes reading. He likes watching television, and playing chess.
What kind of books does your father read?
He reads widely. He even has a few law books in his shelf; he reads books on history, career, and economics.
What is your dad’s favourite food?
He likes pounded yam with egusi soup mixed with okro.
Describe your father’s tenure and achievement as a governor?
When my father was governor of Anambra State in 1992, he had many plans for the state but his tenure was disrupted by the military. He said he had so many plans for Anambra State. He wanted to develop the place, but he wasn’t able to achieve them. Despite that, some of his achievements were the conversion of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
What is his favourite drink?
He doesn’t have any in particular, but he eats quail eggs every morning.
How sociable is he?
He is a private person, he doesn’t really like going out. He enjoys staying at home.
What challenges has he faced overtime as a politician?
I’m not aware of any, but because he is outspoken, people tend to castigate him.
How close are you to him?
We are quite close, we talk often.
Does he visit you in school?
No, he doesn’t.
How do you feel being his child?
I feel great. It is a blessing. He is a great father; he sacrifices a lot just in order for us to be comfortable.
What are some of his weaknesses and strengths?
He is disciplined, he doesn’t cut corners. For his weakness, my father is easily moved, if he sees his neighbour going through one form of challenge, he is touched. His looks cover this, but my father can be sensitive.
Does he ever regret going into politics?
No, he doesn’t.
How is your mother handling his political career?
She has handled it well. She has grown with his career.
What is the first thing he does when he wakes and the last thing he does before he sleeps?
He reads a book and that is the last thing he does before he sleeps. He also prays.
Describe his schedule?
He wakes up at 4am to read a book, goes power-walking or jogging, and then when he gets home, he reads newspapers. He also travels a lot.
Your father must feel disappointed with the Boko Haram insurgency in the north
Yes, he is hurt. To him, Boko Haram was set up by people who wanted to make Jonathan’s government ungovernable.
Did he share with you his views on how the insurgency can be curbed?
He thinks insurgency has already being dealt with because he feels some forces are behind it. The people behind it wanted power to come into their hands.
What do you think should be his legacy?
I think posterity will remember him for his integrity, honesty and truthful nature.
What don’t you like about him?
He is a disciplinarian to the core; he doesn’t leave room for misbehaviour. If he tells any child to do something and he or she refuses, he tags the person as being irresponsible. He stands on his ground, which I like about him.
What else have you imbibed from him?
Family bonding, he still takes everyone to the village every Christmas.
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