The immediate-past Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Enema Paul, is dead. Before his death, Paul, a second termer to the Assembly, was the member representing Okura State Constituency in the current 8th Assembly in the state.
Paul stepped down as the deputy speaker on health grounds and was replaced by the member representing Ibaji State Constituency, Comfort Nwuchola. The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Aliyu Yusuf, confirmed the death in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Yabagi, on Saturday.
He said that Paul died of an undisclosed illness at an Abuja private hospital in the early hours of Saturday. The speaker who commiserated with the family of the former Deputy Speaker described the deceased as a friend, temperate, humble, team-playing, committed lawmaker, and public servant.
He said, “The former Deputy Speaker was a man who exemplified a commitment to the unity of the state, having demonstrated a genuine desire to enhance pro-people legislation for overall development.
“He was a Christian who saw beyond religion and whose godliness and commitment to family values were unquestionable.” The Speaker prayed to God to grant the immediate family and members of the current and immediate past assembly the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also, the Kogi State Government in a condolence message by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo said, “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 great 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 detribalized leader who believed in the vision of a greater Kogi State.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed profound sadness over this irreparable loss. He described Hon. Paul’s death as a heavy blow not only to his family and Dekina Local Government Area but also to 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.”
