Ezea Was Pillar of Integrity in National Assembly – Akpabio
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday paid glowing tribute to the late Senator Okey Ezea, describing him as one of the integrity pillars upon which the National Assembly relied.
Akpabio spoke at Itchi in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State during the burial ceremony of Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District and died on November 18, 2025.
Reminiscing about the life and times of the deceased lawmaker, Akpabio said Ezea was a dependable and principled colleague whose life was cut short at the zenith of his political career.
He noted that the late senator distinguished himself through courage, honesty and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents.
Addressing members of the bereaved family, the Senate President assured them of his continued support.
“I will continue to identify with you and watch your progress. Your father has now transited to the spiritual realm and will be watching over you. Our prayer is that all the good things he planned to do but could not accomplish, you will accomplish for him and for the community, in Jesus’ name,” Akpabio said.
He further prayed for longevity and honour for members of the family, adding that more great leaders would emerge from Nsukka land to contribute meaningfully to the development of Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
“Senator Ezea was a man of honour who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s progress. Though he passed on at a time we least expected, we pray God grants the family long life and the grace to be celebrated in due time,” he added.
Among dignitaries who paid tribute to the late senator were Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi; Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Ezea National Burial Committee; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu.
Others in attendance included Mr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement; Chief Chidi Obetta, who represents Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency; and the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, among several political and community leaders.
Governor Mbah described Ezea as a forthright, uncompromising and dedicated politician whose impact transcended Enugu North Senatorial District.
“The huge number of people present here from different walks of life is a testament to the fact that the late Senator lived a worthy life and related cordially with people,” Mbah said.
He added that Ezea would be remembered for his steadfast belief in justice and his effective representation of his people at the National Assembly.
The governor conveyed the condolences of the Enugu State Government to the family, assuring them that they were not alone in their moment of grief.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Onah, described the late senator as an “activist for the Nsukka people.”
According to the cleric, Ezea was a passionate advocate for the political rights, economic empowerment and social justice of the people of Enugu North Senatorial District.
“He was a beacon of courage who stood firmly by his convictions. He consistently pursued the rightful share of Nsukka people and insisted on justice even in the face of attacks, insults and humiliation,” Bishop Onah said.
The bishop also reflected on the transient nature of life, reminding leaders and citizens alike of the inevitability of death and the need to live exemplary lives.
“As we gather to bid him farewell, we must remember that death is inevitable. Each of us will one day give an account of our lives. Let us therefore live in a manner that will be remembered positively and be prepared at all times to meet our Creator,” he admonished.
The burial ceremony drew a large crowd of political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, associates and constituents, all united in paying their last respects to a lawmaker many described as courageous, principled and deeply committed to the advancement of his people.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
