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Condolences continue to pour in over the death of Senator Okey Ezea who represented Enugu North on the platform of Labour Party in the 10th Senate.

This medium learnt that the late Senator died on November 18, at the age 62.

In a condolence message on Wednesday, Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), said the death of the Senator was “not only a monumental loss to his family and constituents, but to the entire country which benefited immensely from his wisdom, courage, and unwavering commitment to the common good.”

He noted that Ezea’s legislative footprint was marked by purposeful and prolific interventions.

He recalled that Ezea sponsored the bill to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and championed the bill for the creation of Adada State, amongst other legislative interventions.

Extending his deepest condolences to his immediate family, Senatorial District, Enugu State government, his colleagues in the National Assembly, Ngwu noted that the Senator may have left this earthly stage, but the impact of his service will endure for generations.

He said, “We received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Senator Ezea, a statesman whose life of service, integrity, and dedication left an indelible mark on our nation. His departure is not only a monumental loss to his family and constituents, but to the entire country which benefited immensely from his wisdom, courage, and unwavering commitment to the common good.

“Senator Ezea served with distinction, approaching every responsibility with purpose and sincerity. Whether on the floor of the Senate, in committee engagements, or in his interactions with the public, he exemplified the ideals of leadership rooted in humility, compassion, and patriotism. His voice was one of reason, his actions guided by principle, and his vision always anchored on the progress and unity of our nation. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Similarly, Labour Party (on which platform the late lawmaker contested and won for the 10th Senate) described Ngwu as a committed and loyal party man who resisted calls by the opposition to decamp.

Interim national chairman of the party, Nenadi Usman, in a condolence message stated, “I received with rude shock the news of the passing of Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, who represented the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.

“Senator Ezea was a fine gentleman who gave his all in the service of his constituents, offering them quality and purposeful representation. In the Senate, he was a patriot whose dedication was evident in the number of bills he sponsored and the many motions he moved in pursuit of national progress and development.

“He will be sorely missed by the nation and, in a very special way, by the Labour Party family, whose flag he flew with honour and unwavering loyalty. Despite pressures from various quarters, Senator Ezea remained committed to the Labour Party on whose platform he was elected. Until his passing, he stood as the only Labour Party member in the National Assembly from Enugu State who, on principle, kept faith with the party that entrusted him with that mandate.

As we mourn this painful loss and celebrate his remarkable contributions to our nation’s political evolution, I urge his immediate family to find comfort in the enduring legacies he leaves behind. May God accept his noble soul and grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

This is as the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mudashir Ismail, described the late lawmaker as “a pan-Nigerian politician.”

He said the late lawmaker, who was until his demise 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, contributed immensely to the promotion of unity and progress in the country.

Describing the death as shocking, he said the late Enugu politician 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 people of Enugu North Senatorial district and beyond,” he said.

Senator Ezea who was born on August 11, 1963, was until his death a lawyer and businessman.

He was elected on the Labour Party platform to represent Enugu North Senatorial District during the 2023 general elections.

Meanwhile, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in a condolence message wrote, “I received with profound shock and deep sorrow the heartbreaking news of the passing of my dear brother and colleague, Senator Okey Ezea( IDEKE).

“His death is a painful blow that has left me personally devastated. Senator Ezea was more than a fellow legislator; he was a friend with whom I shared a close and sincere bond. 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.

“To the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, I extend my heartfelt condolences. The Senate has lost a principled voice, one who contributed with clarity, courage, and unshakable conviction. His absence will be deeply felt within our legislative family.

“I also console the Governor of Enugu state , Barrister Peter Mbah, and people of Enugu State, particularly the vibrant and dignified Nsukka community. Senator Ezea served you with pride, dedication, and an unbreakable commitment to your wellbeing. His death is a profound loss not just to Nsukka, but to our nation.

“To his immediate family, I pray that God grants you strength and comfort during this painful period. Your husband, father, brother, and son was a noble man whose legacy of service and faith will continue to shine.

As I mourn my dear brother, I take solace in knowing he lived honorably and touched countless lives. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”