The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday held a valedictory session to honor one of their colleague, Senator Okechukwu Ezea, the Labour Party (LP) lawmaker from Enugu North Senatorial District, who passed away in November last year after a brief illness.
The Senate used the Plenary to honor his contributions to institutional development and national cohesion as his remains lied in state in the chamber of the National Assembly.
Late Senator Ezea’s family, including his wife and children alongside his political associates were allowed into the Chamber to witness the session, chaired by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Steadfast Patriot
His death triggered an outpouring of grief from his colleagues, who described the Senator as a principled parliamentarian, a bridge-builder, and a steadfast patriot.
Senator Ezea was remembered as a dedicated, patriotic, and principled legislator who served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committees on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD, as well as Culture and Creative Economy.
Critical Time
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio who described late Senator Okechukwu Ezea as a principled and outspoken lawmaker, promised not to abandon the family at this critical time.
During the Session, the Senate observed a minute of silence, with his seat draped in the Nigerian flag to honor his service to the Nation and humanity.
Beyond the National Assembly, late Senator Ezea was a businessman and also held notable public service roles, including serving as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, in Taraba State.
Senator Ezea who died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62, represented Enugu North Senatorial District under the Labour Party.
A funeral mass is set for February 13, 2026, in Itchi, Igbo-Eze South, of Enugu State with a thanksgiving service on February 14, 2026.
Lateefah Ibrahim