The Minority Caucus of Nigeria’s House of Representatives has joined other parliaments, leaders, and politicians across the world to eulogize Hon. Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed on a few months ago at a hospital in Houston, United States of America, from a long drawn battle with pancreatic cancer. While acknowledging her dedication, and commitment to the pursuit of human rights, justice, equality, and well-being of mankind, the Caucus commiserate with the people of Houston District, the US Congress, Democratic Party, and lovers of democracy all over the world.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 10th September 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Leader of the Caucus declared that, “in spite the twists and turns, and vicissitudes of life, she resonated compassion, selflessness, doggedness, and fervour in her entire political and public service career.
Her passion was palpable; commitment was selfless; and dedication to pursuit of common good was unwavering. Throughout her life odyssey, she emerged as a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration; and an inimitable spirit for the enthronement and deepening of people’s rights and privileges.”
The Caucus also noted that, “throughout her near-three decades as a foremost lawmaker, she exhibited unusual sagacity, uncommon knowledge, and unflinching courage in pursuing necessary and continued advocacy that were focused on women, children, and the downtrodden. She was a relentless personality endowed with unbelievable strength of character; an industrious, and visionary lawmaker who remained assiduous and altruistic till her last day on earth. Imbued with persuasive skills, frank elucidation, power of deep reasoning, and eloquent delivery, she was fearless, audacious, and resourceful.”
Chinda added that, “she spoke, and canvassed passionately against racial and religious abuses; human rights contravention; and social abuses against people.
She fought for women’s rights; promotion of equality; and better healthcare for people.
At home, she was a strong and leading advocate for increasing border security, gun control and Medicare for all Americans, and many other impactful legislations.
It was in the course of one of such international campaigns that our path crossed, when she chaired a Nigerian Parliamentary delegation meeting with Co-Chairs of US Congressional-Nigerian Caucus at Capitol Hill, DC. As a lawmaker, she was strong in foreign policy as she spoke against negative actions in China, South Africa, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Azerbaijan.”
The Caucus reiterated that she was “a conscientious lawmaker who served humanity with passion, purpose, and persistency not minding creed, language, and religion.
She was a tireless parliamentarian whose sincere commitment to the good of everyone will remain memorable in our hearts. Happily, through her words, deeds, actions, and achievements,- she impacted many lives across the globe.
Hopefully, her life will serve as a veritable compass in measuring and assessing those behind her and other parliamentarians around the world.”
Concluding, Chinda stated that, “the Caucus has chosen to celebrate the life and times of Sheila Jackson Lee, an extraordinary parliamentarian whose death will remain a big loss to the people of Houston District, the Black Congressional Caucus as well as the entire black race in the world which she represented in glowing colours in her time on earth.
We pray that God grants the family, her close associates, and mentees the grace to continue with her legendary service to humanity.”