The Senate on Tuesday suspended its plenary to pay tribute to Senator Okechukwu Ezea of the Labour Party, representing Enugu North Senatorial District, who passed away on Tuesday, 18.
Following the routine prayers, approval of votes and proceedings, announcements, and petitions, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele of the APC from Ekiti Central, moved a motion to suspend the day’s legislative activities in accordance with Senate tradition.
The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Olalere Oyewumi of the PDP representing Osun West.
In his motion, Bamidele stated, “Inconsistent with our tradition as well as our parliamentary customs and traditions, I move that we suspend all other legislative activities for the day. I also move that all of us, upon adjourning this proceeding, proceed to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Okechukwu Ezea. It is unfortunate this death occurred.”
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thereafter led a minute of silence in honour of the late lawmaker.
He also announced that buses had been arranged to transport Senators to the family’s residence for the condolence visit.
Before his death, Ezea served as vice chairman of both the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, and the Senate Committee on Culture and Creative Economy.
Meanwhile, Akpabio announced the appointment of Senator Austin Akobundu of the PDP, representing Abia Central, as Vice Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Senate Committee, and Senator Osita Ngwu of the PDP, Enugu West, as Vice Chairman of the Air Force Committee.
