The Senate on Wednesday held a valedictory session in honor of the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea.
According to the legislators, their late colleague was a man of principles whose passing has caused a void in the National Assembly.
Ezea, who served as the Labour Party’s (LP) representative for the Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, passed away in November following a brief illness.
The senators from across party lines paid respect to his service during the session, which was accompanied by his wife, Chioma, children, family, and acquaintances.
According to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Ezea’s passing was unexpected and silenced a reputable voice in the Red Chamber.
He noted that the late senator’s contributions to committee assignments and plenary discussions demonstrated attentiveness and respect for opposing viewpoints. He characterized the late senator as measured in speech, firm in conviction, and dedicated to national unity.
Ezea prioritized the welfare of his constituents and the interests of the country, according to Bamidele, who also noted that he maintained friendly interactions with people from different political parties and geographical areas.
The Senate Leader also highlighted Ezea’s contributions outside the legislature, including serving as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State, and on several public and private boards.
He recalled that the late Ezea sponsored several legislative initiatives, including the Agricultural Research Council Act (Amendment) Bill aimed at establishing a Federal College of Agriculture, a Constitution Alteration Bill proposing the creation of Adada State in the Southeast, and a motion for the establishment of a military base in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area to boost security.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the late Lawmaker’s death as a significant loss to both the Senate and the nation.
He welcomed Ezea’s family to the chamber and assured them of the Senate’s continued support.
Other senators also paid tribute, remembering him as a dedicated, intellectually capable, and committed public servant.
Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) said Ezea was widely respected in his constituency and within the South-East caucus.
Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) said the late senator sought medical treatment both in Nigeria and abroad before his death.
He added that Ezea studied Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), obtained law and Master’s degrees from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and defended his PhD thesis shortly before his death.
Ireti Kingibe (FCT) described him as principled and independent-minded, while Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) said he related with colleagues across religious and ethnic lines.
Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) highlighted Ezea’s contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and his private-sector experience.
The Senate suspended proceedings in his honor and observed valedictory rites in line with parliamentary tradition.
In his closing remarks, Bamidele stated that Ezra’s dedication and commitment to integrity should serve as a model for all public office holders.
