🟢 HOLD VALEDICTORY SESSIONS IN HONOUR OF TWO HONOURABLE DEPARTED SOULS
It was a moment of grief, sadness and sorrow when the bodies of two former lawmakers of Imo State House Of Assembly arrived the Assembly complex for valedictory sessions. Tears flowed freely because the departed lawmakers selflessly and dutifully served Imo State and humanity with patriotism and honesty.
The two departed lawmakers were :
- Hon Dr Edward Chukwudi Agulanna, who represented Aboh Mbaise State Constituency from 1991 to 1993.
- Hon. Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke, who represented old Ogbaku State Constituency in Mbaitoli LGA, from 1979 to 1983.
However, earlier before their bodies were received, a new member, Hon Clinton Christopher Amadi was sworn-in, through Oath Of Allegiance And Membership Of the Legislative Arm Of Government, as Member Representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency.
VALEDICTORY SESSION IN HONOUR OF LATE HON. DR EDWARD CHUKWUDI AGULANNA
As is with the custom and tradition of the Imo State House Of Assembly, the remains of Hon Dr Edward Agulanna was received by the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, other Honourable Members (both Past and Present Members), Staff and Management of the Imo State House Of Assembly, also, including political associates, business associates, friends and family members.
Shortly after receiving the body of the departed Parliamentarian, a Special Sitting was held in his honour.
The Majority Leader and Member Representing Owerri -west State Constituency, Hon Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, moved the Motion for the Body of Hon Dr Edward Chukwudi Agulanna to be admitted into the hallowed Chamber:
“Thus, Be it resolved by this Honourable House that leave be granted for the Body of Hon Dr Edward Chukwudi Agulanna be admitted into the Chamber, for the purpose of paying last respect to the deceased “.
The Motion was seconded by Hon Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie, Member Representing Aboh Mbaise State Constituency.
When the speaker put the Motion for adoption, it was unanimously adopted, after which the body of Hon Dr Edward Agulanna was admitted into the Chamber. Thereafter, Mr Speaker gave a speech, which included the biography and legislative contribution of the late emeritus lawmaker, describing him as “A Vibrant Honorable Member who brought credibility, dignity and integrity to lawmaking and governance”.
Speaker Chike Olemgbe said, “Distinguished Honourable Colleagues, it is with grief that I preside this valedictory session in honour of late Hon Dr Edward Chukwudi Agulanna, who represented Aboh Mbaise State Constituency from 1991 to 1993 here in the Imo State House Of Assembly. This is an honour which we always accord to deceased colleagues”.
Hon Dr Edward Chukwudi Agulanna who was born on the 8th of October 1945, in Umudiawa, Obetiti Nguru in Aboh Mbaise LGA, was the first child of his parents, late Papa Clement and Mama Catherine Agulanna. He started his Academic career with his Primary Education at St Mary’s Primary School Umuopara, Nguru and graduated in 1959, followed by his Secondary Education at Secondary School Aboh Mbaise and graduated in 1964.
He also attended the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he studied Pharmacy and graduated as the most outstanding student in Pharmacy in 1974. He proceeded in 1986 to pursue a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and later obtained his Msc and PhD in Management in 1990, still from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka ( Enugu Campus).
Dr Agulanna practiced Pharmacy for over 30 years, during which period he was the Medical Representative for Polfa Nigeria Ltd. He contested and won the Imo State House Of Assembly seat to represent Aboh Mbaise State Constituency in 1991, under the platform of Social Democratic Party, SDP and served till 1993 when there was Military intervention.
Late Dr Edward Agulanna was one of the most vibrant lawmakers of the House who maintained the inner caucus of the House and the Party. He was named the UNCP Senatorial candidate for Owerri zone in 1998, and the Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Education, from 2004 to 2005. Until his death, he was the Apex Leader of PDP in Ngurunwe Nkwo Ward.
Rt Honourable Olemgbe further said Hon Dr Edward Agulanna combined both his Academic and Professional excellence in ensuring his people got the dividends of democracy. Describing Hon Agulanna as a fulfilled leader, he prayed for the repose of his worthy soul, while consoling his wife, children and grandchildren, to bear the irreplaceable loss.
After Mr Speaker’s speech, a minute silence in Honour of the fallen parliamentarian was observed.
The following Past and Present Honourable Members paid commendable glowing tributes to the fallen parliamentarian:
- Hon. Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie.
- Rt. Honourable Chief Eddy Obinna.
- Rt Honourable Chief Ike C. Ibe.
- Hon. Alex Emeziem.
- Rt. Honourable Maxwell Duru.
- Hon. Dr David Iwuagwu.
- Hon. Barrister G. A. S. Amadi.
- Hon. Lady Theresa Ejiogu.
- Hon. Dr Henry Agbasonu.
In the tributes, Hon Dr Edward Chukwudi Agulanna was described as an erudite scholar, a strong voice, an eloquent politician, a great prolific writer, a moral conscience of the legislature and above all, a successful husband and father, who was passionate about his family.
Thereafter, Mr Speaker led Honourable Members, both Past and Present, to file past the remains of Hon. Dr Edward Chukwudi Agulanna.
Other Honourable members (Past and Present) who were present to honour the departed emeritus lawmaker include the following:
- Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.
- Rt Honourable Barrister Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh.
- Rt Honourable Chigozie Nwaneri.
- Rt Honourable Kanayo Onyemaechi.
- Rt Honourable Chief Donatus Ozoemenam.
- Hon Chief Sam Otuibe.
- Hon. Okoroji.
- Hon Chief Pius Nwoga.
- Hon Chief Uche Francis Agabige.
- Rt Honourable Okey Dike.
- Hon Obinna Egu (PhD).
- Hon Dr Uche Ogwumike.
- Hon Chief Emma Orie.
- Hon Dr Victor Ndunagu.
- Hon. Gozie Nwachukwu.
- Rt. Hon Nnanna Igbokwe.
- Hon Chief Ugochukwu Nnawuihe
- Hon Prince Ugochukwu Nzekwe.
- Hon Chief Mike Iheanaetu (Akwaakwuru Mbaise)
- Hon Engr Dr Bernard Odoemenam.
- Hon Engr Gilbert Nwosu.
- Hon Chief Barrister Sam Osuji.
- Hon Clinton Christopher Amadi.
- Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu (Oyi)
- Hon Chief Samuel Ogbunikpa.
- Hon Chief Johnleoba
- Hon. Kelechi Ofurum
- Hon Barrister Ikenna Ihezuo.
- Hon Chief James Uba Esile.
The Majority Leader, Rt Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi thereafter moved the Motion for Grant of leave for the Body of Hon Dr Edward Chukwudi Agulanna to leave the Chamber. This was seconded by Hon Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie, and it was unanimously endorsed when Mr Speaker put it for adoption.
VALEDICTORY SESSION IN HONOUR OF LATE HON. CHIEF JOHN CHUKWUDI MARK DUREKE
Also, the remains of Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke was received by the Speaker (represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Chyna Amara Iwuanyanwu), other Honourable Members (both Past and Present), Staff and Management of Imo State House Of Assembly, also, including political associates, business associates, friends and family members.
After receiving the body of the late emeritus lawmaker, a Special Sitting was held in his honour.
The Majority Leader and Member Representing Owerri-west State Constituency, Hon Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, moved the Motion for the Body of Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke to be admitted into the hallowed Chamber :
“Thus, Be it resolved by this Honourable House that leave be granted for the Body of Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke be admitted into the Chamber, for the purpose of paying last respect to the deceased”.
The Motion was seconded by Hon Engr Innocent Ikpamezie, Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency.
When the Speaker put Motion for adoption, it was unanimously adopted, after which the Body of Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke was admitted into the Chamber. Thereafter, Mr Speaker gave his speech, which reeled out the journey of life, including the legislative inputs and biography of the late vibrant emeritus legislator, whom he described as a trusted and reliable leader.
According to the Speaker, “Late Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke represented Old Ogbaku State Constituency in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, from 1979 to 1983. He was born on the 10th of June 1923, as the first child of the 12 children of late Sir John Akpaelu Eguka Dureke and Mrs Mary Nwanyinma Eguka Dureke.
He started his Primary Education at Mount Carmel School Emekuku and finished it at St Martin’s School Ihialla, where he sat for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination in 1936, and was admitted into Christ the Kings College Onitsha in 1937″.
Late Hon Chief J. C. M. Dureke had a very distinguished career in the Civil Service, which spanned 32 years, after which he retired Meritoriously in 1975. After his retirement from the Civil Service, his wealth of experience was further tapped and harnessed by various Organizations, including the Church, Government, Civil Society Groups, Political Parties and indeed, the entire Ogbaku Community.
As a result of his outstanding performance and service to his people, Ogbaku Elders, Home and Abroad at some point sent a strong delegation to him at Enugu, requesting him to return home and be crowned as the Traditional Ruler of Ogbaku Community, But he humbly turned down the offer and thanked them for considering him the proper person for the position. That shows clearly the level of trust placed on him by his people
However, in 1979, he contested and was elected under the platform of NPN, to represent Ogbaku State Constituency, in the Imo State House of Assembly. It should be noted that quite unlike the current structure of the State and Local Government/ Constituencies today, in the days of Hon. ChiefJ.C.M. Dureke, the Old Ogbaku State Constituency comprised of the following :
A. Afara B. Ogbaku
C. Umunoha D. Ifakala
E. Eziama Obiato
All in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
While acknowledging that Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke was one of the most vibrant and prolific lawmakers whose Bills and Motions never lacked the support of the House, Mr speaker noted that as a 4th Degree Knight of St Mulumba, the fallen hero also held other important positions, as follows :
- Member, Imo State Public Accounts Committee 1976.
- Chairman, Nigeria Television Authority Zone B.
- Member G34 which metamorphosed into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in partnership with late Dr Alex Ekwueme.
- Chairman, Imo PDP Contact and Mobilization Committee.
- Member, Board Of Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar.
- National Treasurer, People’s Club Of Nigeria.
- Member, Imo State Elders Treasurer, Owerri Zone Forum.
Mr speaker therefore admonished the family to emulate the good virtues of Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke, stating that he died at a good old age.
Thereafter, a minute silence was observed, in honour of the fallen emeritus lawmaker.
The following Past and Present Honourable Members were given the floor to pay tributes to Late Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke.
A. Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie.
B. Hon Engr Uche Francis Agabige.
C. Rt Hon. Chief Okey Dike.
D. Hon Dr Chief Victor Ndunagu.
E. Hon Chief Ugochukwu Nnawuihe.
F. Rt Hon. Ike C. Ibe.
G. Rt Hon Donatus Ozoemenam.
In the tributes, Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke was described as a leader with humility and contentment, and who was never materialistic. Also, he was described as an honest leader, who never misled the younger politicians, and never exploited anybody, unlike what is obtainable elsewhere. Furthermore, it was observed that his carefulness about life was the tonic that made him to get to 100 years, thereby offering him the opportunity to see his Great Grand children.
Thereafter, Mr Speaker led Honourable Members (Both Past and Present) to file past the remains of the departed emeritus lawmaker.
Other Honourable Members present during the valedictory session of the fallen hero include the following:
- Rt Honourable Barrister Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh.
- Rt Honourable Chigozie Nwaneri.
- Rt Honourable Kanayo Onyemaechi.
- Rt Honourable Chief Donatus Ozoemenam.
- Hon Chief Sam Otuibe.
- Hon Chief Barrister Sam Osuji.
- Hon. Okoroji.
- Hon Chief Pius Nwoga.
- Hon Chief Uche Francis Agabige.
- Rt Honourable Okey Dike.
- Hon Obinna Egu (PhD).
- Hon Dr Uche Ogwumike.
- Hon Chief Emma Orie.
- Hon Dr Victor Ndunagu.
- Hon. Gozie Nwachukwu.
- Rt. Hon Nnanna Igbokwe.
- Hon Chief Ugochukwu Nnawuihe
- Hon Prince Ugochukwu Nzekwe.
- Hon Chief Akwakwuru
- Hon Engr Dr Bernard Odoemenam.
- Hon Engr Gilbert Nwosu
- Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu (Oyi)
- Hon Chief Samuel Ogbunikpa.
- Hon Chief Johnleoba
25 Hon. Kelechi Ofurum
- Hon Barrister Ikenna Ihezuo
- Hon Chief James Uba Esile
The Majority Leader, Hon Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, thereafter moved the Motion for Grant of leave for the Body of Hon Chief John Chukwudi Mark Dureke to leave the Chamber. This was seconded by Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, and it was unanimously endorsed when Mr Speaker put it for adoption.
The House Adjourned to Wednesday 17th January 2024.
Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha writes from IMHA Owerri.
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