Senate holds valedictory session for late Enugu senator

The Senate on Wednesday at plenary paid glowing tribute to the late Okechukwu Ezea, the Enugu North senator, who died on 18 November, 2025 at the age of 62.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Ezea, born on 11 August, 1963, represented Enugu North Senatorial District on the platform of Labour Party (LP).

NAN also reports that before commencement of the valedictory session, the remains of late lawmaker were laid in state at the foyer of the senate chamber.

The late senator’s wife, children and relatives were present at the session, following revocation of Senate Order 12 to allow strangers into the chamber.

Tributes in honour of the late lawmaker followed a motion by Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), that the Senate should pay the tributes.

Mr Bamidele said that the news of Mr Ezea’s death came as a profound shock to the Senate.

“It silenced a calm but principled voice in this chamber and robbed the nation of a patriot who believed very deeply in service, equity and the supremacy of the public good,” he said.

According to him, Mr Ezea’s passing has left a void that will not easily be filled, describing him as a legislator of rare disposition, guided always by conscience.

“He brought to this Senate not only the mandate of his people but also a quiet wisdom that enriched our debates and strengthened our deliberations,” he said.

The Senate majority leader also noted that the late senator showed unwavering commitment to national unity.

He said that beyond the formalities of lawmaking, Mr Ezea was a gentle colleague and bridge builder who related with members across party lines and regions with humility and mutual respect.

Mr Bamidele said that the deceased had a sincere desire to improve the lives of his constituents and advance the collective interests of the country.

“As an industrialist, he could be better described as a colossus, a think tank for several boards of both private and public sectors.

“He was a leader in his notable appointment; he carried the hopes of Enugu North with dignity and discharged its responsibilities with honour through the sponsorship of bills and motions.

“He came, he saw and he excelled; his brilliance will shine forever,” Mr Bamidele said, condoling the family, people of Enugu State and Nigerians in general.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said that the Senate was overwhelmed with grief, saying that it had lost a brother and a friend in Ezea.

“He was one of those faithful servants of the republic who laboured with us tirelessly; a distinguished son of Ibo high chief, a very highly educated personality who has carried his knowledge to the great beyond.

“Though he may not live to see the fulfillment of his promises, I believe he has departed this world, assured that Nigeria is on the right path.

Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin (APC-Kano), described Mr Ezea as a good man who stood for what he believed in, saying that the Senate had lost a friend, brother and colleague.

Other senators also took turns to pay tributes to the late senator which lasted about three hours.

Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) said Mr Ezea was a role model to his constituents, stressing that his people had organic love for him.

Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) said the people of Enugu North were grieved over the death of Mr Ezea, describing him as a great man who would be greatly missed by his people.

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Mr Umeh said Mr Ezea was a colossus in so many ways, especially in human capital development, while he was a friend of all.

Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu) said that the late lawmaker was a firm and courageous person, describing him as a person of positive deposition.

Kelvin Chukwu (APC-Enugu) said Mr Ezea was a man of integrity who stood for his belief and convictions.

The senate, thereafter, offered Christian and Muslim prayers for the repose of the late senator’s soul, while also observing a minute silence in his honour.

It resolved to send a delegation to condole with his family, the government and people of Enugu State.

The Senate also resolved to send a high powered delegation to attend the final burial of the late senator.

The senators, thereafter, embarked on a procession to inspect the remains of the late lawmaker.

(NAN)