…Ex Abia Gov Kalu Pays Tribute

By Amaechi Agbo

The Senator representing Enugu North senatorial District at the 10^th National Assembly, Sen. Okey Ezea, has passed away.

Popularly known as “Ideke”, the late senator was aged 62

The former governorship candidates in Enugu State died on Tuesday in the United Kingdom while receiving treatment.

Ezeah was elected under the Labour Party I the 2023 general elections and he is the only remaining member in the National Assembly from Enugu State.

It was gathered that Senator Ezea had earlier been treated in Germany.

The cause of his demise is unclear at press time.

Late Ezea contested as the candidate for Labour Party in the 2007 Enugu State gubernatorial election.

In 2013 Ezea co-founded part of the All Progressive Congress in Enugu and he became the candidate in 2015. In 2018, Ezea was appointed by Muhammadu Buhari as the Chairman of the governing board, Federal Medical Center in Jalingo, Taraba State, a position he held until he resigned in 2022 to join the Labour Party.

On 25 February 2023, Ezea was elected as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where he represents Enugu North Senatorial District.

Meanwhile, former Abia State governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has paid tribute to late Ezea.

Kalu described Ezea’s death as a painful blow and extended his condolences to the Senate President, Enugu State Governor and the family

“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” he said. .