House Resumes 2026 Sittings with Tributes to Late Lawmakers
28th January, 2026
The House of Representatives on Tuesday resumed plenary for the 2026 legislative year with solemn tributes to members of the National Assembly who recently passed away, setting a reflective tone for the commencement of legislative business.
The sitting was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, who welcomed lawmakers back from recess and called for renewed dedication to unity, discipline, and legislative excellence in the year ahead.
After routine announcements, the House devoted the bulk of the plenary session to condolence motions in honour of deceased members of the 10th National Assembly. Lawmakers paid glowing tributes, extending sympathies to the families of the departed, their constituents, and the Senate, while highlighting their contributions to public service and national development.
Those honoured included Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Senator Okechukwu “Okey” Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
Senator Akwashiki, born on August 3, 1973, was described as a seasoned legislator and grassroots politician. He served two terms in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2019, where he rose to the positions of Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker. He was first elected to the Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, becoming the only senator from Nasarawa North to secure two consecutive terms. Until November 2025, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force. He passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 52.
Also honoured was Senator Okechukwu Ezea, born on August 11, 1963, a lawyer and entrepreneur elected to the Senate in 2023. Before joining the legislature, he had a distinguished private-sector career in logistics and security. Widely regarded for his intellectual contributions and advocacy for institutional development, he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committees on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, as well as Culture and Creative Economy. He died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62.
The House further observed a moment of tribute in memory of Senator John Kojo Brambaifa, who passed away on January 3, 2026. Born on December 14, 1944, the elder statesman—popularly known as JKB—represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 5th National Assembly from 2003 to 2007 and played a notable role in the political evolution of the former Rivers State and present-day Bayelsa State.
In honour of the departed lawmakers, the House adjourned plenary until Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
