Enema Paul, the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, passed dead.
Before his death, Paul, serving his second term in the Assembly, represented the Okura State Constituency in the current 8th Assembly of the state.
Paul had stepped down from his position as Deputy Speaker due to health issues and was succeeded by Comfort Nwuchola, the member representing the Ibaji State Constituency.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Aliyu Yusuf, confirmed the news in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Yabagi. He revealed that Paul died of an undisclosed illness at a private hospital in Abuja during the early hours of Saturday.
The Speaker, who expressed his condolences to the late Deputy Speaker’s family, described Paul as a temperate, humble, team-oriented, and dedicated legislator and public servant.
He stated, “The former Deputy Speaker exemplified a commitment to state unity, demonstrating a genuine desire to advance legislation aimed at the people’s development.”
“He was a Christian who looked beyond religion, embodying godliness and an unwavering commitment to family values.”
The Speaker prayed for God to grant Paul’s family, as well as members of the current and former Assembly, the strength to bear this loss.
Additionally, the Kogi State Government expressed its condolences through a message by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.
The message read: “The Government of Kogi State mourns the passing of Hon. Enema Paul, who succumbed to a protracted illness in the early hours of today.
“Paul served the people of Kogi State with exceptional dedication. He was a former Commissioner for Rural Development, a one-time Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and a sitting member of the Assembly until his untimely demise.
“As a distinguished legislator and devoted servant of the people, Hon. Paul embodied the values of hard work, unity, and commitment to the progress of our dear state. He was a detribalised leader who believed in the vision of a greater Kogi State.”
The statement added that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed profound sadness over the loss, describing it as a heavy blow to Paul’s family, the Dekina Local Government Area, and the entire state.
“Our hearts go out to his immediate and extended family, the people of Dekina LGA, and all those touched by his life of service. We stand united in grief and will provide support to his family during this difficult time,” it concluded.
