House of Reps Pay Tribute to Late Members in Emotional Session

By Gloria Ikibah

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The House of Representatives has held a solemn session in memory of lawmakers who died during their term in the 10th National Assembly.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas led the session, which saw many members share emotional stories and tributes to their fallen colleagues on Tuesday at plenary

Those remembered included:

Adewunmi Onanuga (Ogun State), former Deputy Chief Whip, who passed away in January 2025.
Abdulkadir Danbuga (Sokoto State), who died in October 2023.
Isa Dogonyaro (Jigawa State), who died in May 2024.
Olaide Akinremi (Oyo State), who passed in July 2024.
Ekene Adams (Kaduna State), who also died in July 2024.

The session was attended by the families of the deceased, who listened as lawmakers recalled the dedication and service of their loved ones.

One of the tributes came from Deputy Minority Leader Ali Madaki (NNPP, Kano), who praised Isa Dogonyaro as a firm and honest man. He spoke about Dogonyaro’s work at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before entering politics, describing him as a committed voice against corruption.

“Dogonyaro studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano, and served as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. His death on May 10, 2024, was a profound loss,” Madaki said, visibly emotional.

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who spoke on behalf of Dogonyaro’s family, described him as a man of integrity and a lifelong opponent of corruption.

“I knew Dogonyaro from childhood. He stood for justice and fairness in all he did,” Sirika said.

Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive (APC, Delta), urged members to emulate Dogonyaro’s commitment, noting his dedication to committee duties and participation in trainings.

“He never missed a single training. He was a man of humour and conviction. We must all begin to prioritise our health amid the stress of our duties,” Waive added.

Emotions ran high when Laila, Dogonyaro’s daughter, spoke about her father’s unwavering integrity.

“To him, integrity wasn’t a slogan — it was a way of life,” she said. “His physical absence is deeply felt.”

Tributes were also paid to Ekene Adams, who was eulogised by Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi, as a unifier through both politics and sports.

“Ekene was a symbol of Nigeria’s unity. With a Muslim father from Kaduna, a Christian mother from Anambra, and a Yoruba wife, he embraced diversity and served with sincerity,” he said.

Ekene’s son, Kelvin, remembered his father as a man defined by service.

“Football was his passion, but more importantly, it was his tool for promoting unity,” he added.

Former Speaker Patricia Etteh, representing the family of the late Adewunmi Onanuga, described her as a courageous and compassionate leader.

“She was a pillar of the South-West caucus and a woman I greatly admired. Her contributions will not be forgotten,” Etteh said.

Mrs. Adama Akinremi, wife of the late Olaide Akinremi, called on whoever succeeds her husband to continue his legacy.

“He was deeply committed to the welfare of his constituents. That legacy must live on,” she urged.

The session was filled with deep reflection and heartfelt tributes, with many members urging one another to take better care of their health and continue to live by the principles and dedication shown by their late colleagues.