Teddy Oscar, Abuja
Late Hon. Raphael Nomiye, was on Thursday given the last respect by fellow members of the House of Representatives, who put aside all activities, including the usual plenary for a valedictory session to honour the man, whose death occurred on Friday, November 22 in Abuja.
Described as a unique member, who was unassuming, quite and hard-working, Nomiye, who represented Eseodo/Ilaje Constituency of Ondo State at the 7th National Assembly under the platform of Labour Party, was reported to have slumped before dying.
Speaking about the deceased, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, speaker of the House, described the late member as one that truly represented his constituents.
“He was always focused on issues and facts, rather than people or hearsay, thereby recently crowned the Ondo State man of the year, 2013,” Tambuwal added.
Describing the day as a sad one for the House, Tambuwal said: “We have set aside this sitting to honour Honourable Nomiye. The day is a solemn day for all of us, as we gather to honour one of us. He was an unassuming man, with a very few words, who on a number of occasions accosted me outside the chamber to seek clarification on issues.”
Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, deputy speaker, described the late member as an integral part of the 7th Assembly.
In her speech, Hon. Mulikat Akanda-Adeola, House leader, said that the death of Nomiye once again reminded the lawmakers of the inevitable nature of death.
Others, who spoke at the event include: Iranola Akinlaja, leader of the Ondo State cause of the House, Daniel Reyenieju from South-South, Emmanual Jime North-Central, Bilyaminu Shinkafi, Uche Ekwunife from South-East, Bimbo Daramola South-West, as well as Ibrahim El-Sudi from North-East.
