Reps Speaker vows to complete deceased member’s Kaduna projects

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen has assured the people of Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency that no single project facilitated by their late member, Hon Ekene Adams, will be diverted elsewhere.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Member Representing Zango/Jaba Federal Constituency, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji made this pledged during the burial ceremony of the late Ekene at St. Anthony Catholic Church Romi, Kaduna.

Arewa According reports that the departed member of the Green Chamber died after a protracted ailment last Tuesday.

Until his passing, he was the Chairman of the House of Reps Committee on Sports and a former General Manager of Remo Stars and Kada Stars FC.

The Speaker, who extended his deepest condolences, extolled the virtues of the late member representing the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, who won his election the platform of the Labour Party, and promised to ensure that no single project facilitated by the deceased was diverted.

While commenting on the release of fertiliser, he disclosed that “There’s no member House of Representatives from Kaduna State that has received his fertiliser so far.

“I promise to ensure that when the fertiliser is released we would collaborate with his aides so that the fertiliser will get to the right place and the right beneficiaries,” adding that the House of Representatives Speaker is a man who is committed to justice, equity, and fairness.” He stressed.

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, who was represented by Dr. Yunusa Tanko described the deceased as a man who loved his people, stood by them, and listened to them.

“He was connected to his people in terms of empowering them, most especially the women and youth irrespective of party affiliations.”

The Kaduna State Governor, who was also represented by the Hon. Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the late Ekene, was known to be a hardworking footballer who was full of resilience, determination, courage, and his ability to make something out of nothing.

“We’ll also not forget the quality representation that he brought to the good people of the Kajuru/Chikun Federal Constituency, and we want to assure the people that the project that he has started as a result of the interest of the people will not slide,” he promised.

Hon. Bello el-Rufai, another lawmaker but  member representing the Kaduna-North Federal Constituency with Hon. Mukhtar Zakari Chawai, Member Representing the Kauru Federal Constituency, and Deputy House Committee Chairman on Sports, plus  Muhammed Jajere, and Hon. Afam Ogene, Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra, leader of Labour Party House of Reps caucus, while fielding questions from newsmen all averred that the late Ekene was deeply passionate about sports and played a pivotal role in the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.

They stated, “We offer our heartfelt condolences to Hon Adams’ family. He demonstrated patriotism and leadership qualities, and his wealth of experience and the passion he brought to sports will greatly be missed.”

Our correspondent reports that Hon. Dan Amos, Member Representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency; with Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, Member Representing Zango/Jaba Federal Constituency; and Hon. Donatus Mathew, Member Representing Kaura Federal Constituency; alongside Mrs. Marie Ebikahe, Member Representing Brass Federal Constituency, Bayelsa; the Deputy House Committee Chairman on Sports, Muhammed Jajere; Hon. Afam Ogene, Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra Constituency, representative of the Minister of Sports, both APC, Labour and PDP stakeholders, and

Members of the Kaduna State House Assembly were in attendance among many other dignitaries.

Meanwhile, when Arewa According earlier visited Ekene Street, Gbagyi Villa 2 residence of the deceased in Kaduna, some youths were  observed clustered in groups discussing the death of the lawmaker. Others were engaged in a mock football match on an expanse of land opposite his house.

A group of women wearing long faces that betrayed their sad mood were  also seen talking in hushed tones among themselves, obviously discussing the unfortunate and untimely death of Ekene.

Our correspondent’s attempt to speak with the guards or any other occupier of the imposing milk coloured house with big brown gates surrounded by several tall masquerade trees planted both within and outside the premises of the house of the deceased was unsuccessful as  some of the residents in the neighbourhood disclosed that the house is closed and the family members were said not to be around because it was not yet time for condolence visit.

“They are not around, my brother,” a resident told Arewa According.

Continuing, he added, “I think they have all travelled to Abuja to bring back his corpse to Kaduna because he will be buried here.

“They have not even started allowing visitors to register their condolences. Maybe they will start that one on the wake-keep day,” he stated.