Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin; former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have expressed sadness over the passing of Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Okey Ezeà, who died after a brief illness on Tuesday in Lagos.
Aged 62 years, the late Senator Ezea was elected on the Labour Party platform to represent Enugu North Senatorial District during the 2023 general elections, and until his death the Vice Chairman of both the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, and the Senate Committee on Culture and Creative Economy.
Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, extolled the virtues of the late lawmaker, describing him as a pan-Nigerian politician.
According to him, the deceased contributed immensely to the promotion of unity and progress in the country, adding that he would be remembered for his commitment to the Nigerian project through his various contributions in and outside the Senate.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of my friend, his wife, Madam Chioma, his children, the entire people of Enugu North Senatorial District and Enugu State in general.
“May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Senator Okey Ezea was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence, who worked hard to enhance the standard of living of the Enugu North Senatorial district and beyond,” he said.
In his condolence message, Senator Kalu said the passing of the Enugu lawmaker had personally devastated, because he “was more than a fellow legislator; he was a friend with whom I shared a close and sincere bond,” adding “Our friendship was built on mutual respect, brotherhood, and genuine affection.”
“Our relationship extended far beyond the chambers of the Senate. With shared Catholic faith , we often celebrated Mass in the same Catholic chapel, lifting our voices to God in fellowship and reflection. Those quiet moments of prayer and spiritual communion remain etched in my heart.
“Senator Ezea was a man of humility, integrity, and steadfast faith. His devotion to God and his passion for service defined him in every sense,” he stressed.
The former Abia State governor, however, commiserated with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Enugu State governor, Barrister Peter Mbah, and people of the state, particularly the Nsukka community, noting that Senator Ezea served them with pride, dedication, and an unbreakable commitment to their wellbeing.
He also prayed that God grants the deceased’s immediate family strength and comfort during this painful period.
In her own, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan eulogised the late lawmaker as a man of peace, saying he would be sorely missed by her.
“Rest in peace Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea. You were a good man, wise and gentle.
“Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments and I will miss you in (the) chambers,” she stated.