Senate Grief: Akpabio Reveals Two Years Of Emotional Turmoil

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the deaths of several lawmakers in the upper chamber as “heavy” losses for the 10th Senate.

Speaking on Tuesday at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, during a tribute night in honor of the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea, who represented Enugu North until his passing, Akpabio lamented that death has been particularly unkind to the Senate over the past two years.

He revealed that the 10th Senate has lost three serving Senators in quick succession: Senator Ifianyi Ubah (Anambra South), Senator Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa), and Senator Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North).

Akpabio remembered the departed as men of intellect, courage, and vision, whose contributions and dedication left a lasting impact.

Despite the sorrow, he emphasized that God remains sovereign, and that the true legacy of life is measured by the impact one leaves behind.

He 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 mortality and the urgency of service.

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

“Just days before the New Year, and only hours before a new chapter would begin, death struck again. It was a stark reminder that time waits for no one.

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

Paying tribute, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, described Senator Ezea 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 many elected on the party’s platform defected to other parties, Senator Ezea stood firm.

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

“I only learned after his demise that his bond with the Labour Party predated the 2023 elections, when many joined due to prevailing political trends. Senator Ezea had previously contested as the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State in 2007, delivering a strong showing in that election.”