The Red Chamber was unusually subdued yesterday as senators set aside partisan debates to remember one of their own, the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea. The valedictory session, marked by solemn tributes and reflective speeches, underscored the sense of loss felt across the National Assembly.
Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate under the Labour Party, passed away in November after a brief illness. His death, lawmakers said, ended a legislative journey defined by principle, courage and quiet consistency.
Family members filled the visitors’ gallery as the session began. His wife, Chioma, sat alongside their children, relatives and close associates, listening as senators from different political parties recalled moments that captured Ezea’s character and commitment to public service.
Leading the tributes, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described Ezea’s passing as a painful shock to the chamber. He said the late lawmaker was a respected voice whose interventions were always guided by conviction rather than convenience. According to Bamidele, the Senate had lost a colleague who stood firmly by his beliefs and contributed thoughtfully to national discourse.
Other senators echoed similar sentiments, noting that Ezea’s absence has created a noticeable gap in legislative deliberations. They praised his dedication to the people of Enugu North and his broader vision for Nigeria, stressing that his legacy would endure beyond his time in office.
As the session drew to a close, the Senate observed moments of quiet reflection, a symbolic farewell to a colleague many described as principled and selfless. Though his seat now stands empty, lawmakers agreed that Senator Okechukwu Ezea’s impact on the National Assembly will not be easily forgotten.
