The House of Representatives on Tuesday resumed its weekly sittings for the 2026 legislative year on a solemn and reflective note, dedicating plenary to honouring members of the National Assembly who recently passed away.
The sitting was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, who welcomed lawmakers back from recess and urged them to recommit themselves to unity, discipline, and legislative excellence in the new year.
Following preliminary announcements, the House devoted the greater part of the session to moments of condolence in memory of distinguished legislators of the 10th National Assembly. Members paid glowing tributes to the departed, expressing heartfelt condolences to their families, constituents, and the Nigerian Senate, while reflecting on the legacies of service and sacrifice they left behind.
Among those honoured was the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Born on August 3, 1973, Akwashiki was a seasoned legislator and grassroots political leader. He served two terms in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2019, rising to the positions of Majority Leader and later 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 on December 31, 2025, at the age of 52.
Lawmakers also paid tribute to Senator Okechukwu “Okey” Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District under the Labour Party (LP). Born on August 11, 1963, Ezea was a lawyer and entrepreneur with a successful background in logistics and security before his election to the Senate in 2023. He was widely regarded for his intellectual depth and advocacy for strong institutions. Until his death on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62, he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committees on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, as well as Culture and Creative Economy.
The House further observed a moment of silence in honour of Senator John Kojo Brambaifa, who died on January 3, 2026, at the age of 81. Popularly known as JKB, Brambaifa was an elder statesman and a key figure in the political history of the former Rivers State and present-day Bayelsa State. He represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 5th National Assembly from 2003 to 2007.
In line with parliamentary tradition, the House adjourned plenary until Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in honour of the departed lawmakers.
