Death: “The Last Two Years Have Been Heavy For Us In The Senate” – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the deaths of some lawmakers in the upper chamber of the National Assembly as “heavy.”

Speaking on Tuesday at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, during the night of tributes in honour of the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea, who represented Enugu North until his death, Akpabio lamented that death has been unkind to the 10th Senate.

Akpabio disclosed that the 10th Senate lost 3 serving Senators in quick succession in the last two years.

Naija News understands that those who died include: Senator Ifianyi Ubah (Anambra South), Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa) and Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North).

He described the departed as men of intellect, courage, and vision.

Despite the challenges, Akpabio declared that God remains in control of everything and human beings must understand that what truly endures is the impact made while alive.

Akpabio said, “The last two years have been particularly heavy for us in the Senate. We have lost colleagues in quick succession—men of intellect, courage, and vision. Each loss reminds us of our own mortality and the urgency of service.

“One of our departed colleagues, a brilliant and committed senator, worked tirelessly until the very end, always arriving early, always asking questions, always eager to contribute. These are memories that will never fade.

“Just days to the New Year, and only hours before the clock would usher in another chapter, death paid another painful visit. It was a cruel reminder that time does not wait for any man.

“Yet, even in such moments, we are reminded that God has a time for everything—a time to live and a time to return home.

“History teaches us that what truly endures is not power, position, or wealth, but love, compassion, and the good we do for others. Politics must never make us lose our humanity.

“We must take care of one another, raise our children with love, promote peace among our people, and refuse to be divided.”

In her tribute, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Nenadi Usman, described the deceased as a principled politician who remained loyal to the party until the very end.

She said, “Despite pressures from various quarters, he remained committed to the Labour Party on whose platform he was elected.

“At a time when others elected on the platform of the party defected to other political parties, Senator Ezea stood firm.

“Until his passing, he remained the only Labour Party member in the National Assembly from Enugu State who, on principle, kept faith with the party that entrusted him with that mandate.

“It was only after his demise that I learnt that his bond with the Labour Party predated the 2023 elections, when many people joined the party due to the prevailing political wave.

“Senator Ezea had been the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Enugu State in 2007, where he put up a strong showing in the election of that era.”