D£ath Rocks Senate As Akpabio Says ‘Last Two Years Have Been Heavy

Death Rocks Senate As Akpabio Says ‘Last Two Years Have Been Heavy

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lamented what he described as a heavy wave of losses within the 10th Senate, following the deaths of several serving lawmakers in the past two years. According to Ireporter Online, Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja during a night of tributes held in honour of the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District until his passing.

Akpabio said the upper legislative chamber has been deeply affected by the deaths of three serving senators in quick succession, noting that the development has left the Senate grappling with repeated moments of grief. The deceased lawmakers include Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra South, Senator Godiya Akwashiki of Nasarawa State, and Senator Okechukwu Ezea of Enugu North.

Describing the departed senators as men of intellect, courage, and vision, the Senate President stated that their deaths served as painful reminders of human mortality and the urgency of purposeful service. He noted that despite the emotional toll, the Senate must continue to draw strength from faith, stressing that God remains sovereign over all circumstances and that lasting legacies are built through service and positive impact while alive.

Akpabio reflected on the dedication of one of the late lawmakers, recalling his commitment to legislative duties, punctuality, and active participation in debates. He said such memories would endure beyond the chambers of the National Assembly, adding that the sudden nature of the deaths underscored the fragility of life. He urged leaders and citizens alike to prioritize compassion, unity, and humanity above power, position, or wealth.

Also paying tribute, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, described Senator Ezea as a principled politician who remained steadfast in his loyalty to the party until his death. She said he resisted pressures to defect at a time when many elected officials elected on the party’s platform moved to other political parties.

Usman noted that Ezea remained the only Labour Party member in the National Assembly from Enugu State who upheld the party’s mandate on principle. She further disclosed that his commitment to the Labour Party predated the 2023 general elections, revealing that he had previously emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State in 2007, where he recorded a strong showing.