Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the past two years as a “tumultuous” and deeply painful period for the Nigerian Senate, following a string of unexpected deaths that have left lawmakers struggling to cope.
Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during a Night of Tributes held in honour of the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District, at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja.
The event brought together senators, political leaders, family members, and associates to pay their last respects to the fallen lawmaker.
Speaking on behalf of the 10th Senate, Akpabio said the institution remained inconsolable after losing several members in quick succession.
“For the Senate, we cannot be consoled,” he declared. “The last two years have been very tumultuous for us. We lost three senators in quick succession.”
He specifically recalled the shocking death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in the United Kingdom, describing it as one of the most devastating losses for the Red Chamber.
“We lost a very eminent Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, in the United Kingdom. He wasn’t sick. He travelled to London and even did a live stream while his children were seated at the airports in London,” Akpabio recounted.
“Then the next day, his wife called to announce his demise.”The Senate President used the incident to reflect on the fragility of life, urging politicians to live with humility and in peace with God.“It is a lesson to the rest of us that we should take life easy, even in politics,” he said.
“We should try our best to live in peace with God.”
Turning to Senator Ezea’s passing, Akpabio described it as yet another painful blow, emphasizing that no one enters the Senate expecting to die in office.
“Nobody would want to contest an election to be a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, only to die,” he stated.
“Just as the news of Senator Ezea’s death came as a shock to his family and community, it was also a shock to us in the Senate.”
Senator Ezea, a member of the 10th Senate, died in November 2025 after a brief illness. Widely regarded as one of the most outspoken lawmakers from the South-East, he was known for his principled stance, diligent contributions, and consistent advocacy for his constituents and national issues.
Akpabio praised Ezea’s legislative record, noting his impressive performances on the Senate floor and his impeccable appearance.
“Senator Ezea was a very good legislator. His contributions on the floor of the Senate were magnificent,” he said.
“He was always impeccably dressed, often in very good suits. But death comes when it comes.”On behalf of the Senate, Akpabio extended heartfelt condolences to Ezea’s family and encouraged them to find comfort in the enduring legacy he left behind.
The tribute night ended on a reflective and sombre tone, with attendees mourning not only Senator Ezea but also the broader wave of loss that has affected Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, a stark reminder, as Akpabio emphasized, that no amount of political power can shield anyone from the inevitability of death.
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