The shallow chamber of the Delta state house of Assembly was on Thursday enveloped with loud standing ovation by current and former house members, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), opposition party members, politicians and guests, following the appearance of the former speaker, Mr. Victor Ochei during a valedictory session in honour of the late lawmaker representing Warri South 1 constituency, Mrs. Omawumi Udoh.
The ovation which lasted over twenty minutes dwarfed the presence of the incumbent speaker, Mr. Monday Igbuya who is been described as unfit and incompetent for the exalted position.
“Till tomorrow, the former speaker, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei remains our speaker, we are happy to see him today, Ochei has a heart of gold. Ochei was the last speaker the house ever had and his leadership quality and achievements are unbeatable. You saw it yourself that the incumbent speaker, Mr. Monday Igbuya was seriously ashamed with his presence. His appearance today pocketed the presence of the incumbent speaker and that is how you know a good leader with good qualities.” an elated lawmaker said.
After the standing ovation, the incumbent speaker, Mr. Monday Igbuya, quickly announced the arrival and presence of the former speaker, Mr. Victor Ochei as one of the outstanding speakers the house ever produced.
Shortly after that, the speaker, Igbuya in his address, paid glowing tribute to the late lawmaker, Mrs. Omawumi Udoh, whom he described as “a woman with mental power, political tact and capacity for self sacrifice, Udoh was not only influential but also kindhearted. Hon. Udoh touched so many lives while she lived. Hon.Omawumi Udoh excelled tremendously to the delight of Deltans”.
While lauding the late lawmaker for her great concern for the development of the state, Igbuya said Udoh devoted her very successful career in politics to serving the people of Delta State, particularly Warri South 1, even as he urged Deltans to emulate Hon. Udoh’s commitment to peace, development as well as her magnificent spirit of philanthropy.
“Hon Omawumi Udoh will be remembered for her monumental contributions towards the socio-economic and political stability of the state.” and prayed God to grant the soul of the lawmaker eternal rest.
In his own tribute, the Delta state deputy governor, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro said “It is painful Mrs. Omawumi Beatrice Udoh is gone. She leaves us, however, with a comforting lesson about her life and times, with peoples support and a go-getter spirit, goals in life are achievable. But for the power of death which equates the mighty and low, I bet the lawmaker representing Warri South 1 Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly was unstoppable in her political trajectory for her burning zeal for service.”
“I say adieu to a gentle soul as I pray the Lord’s guidance for those she left behind.” Otuaro said.
Late Udoh, was a politician of note, joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform she was elected member of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015.
She was Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas, Chairman, Anniversary Committee of the Fourth Assembly, Chairman, House Committee on Transport and Chief Whip.
The late lawmaker sponsored the Delta State Waste Management Bill, 2003, Delta State Conservation Bill, 2003, Delta State Ecological Bill, 2005, Delta State Sickle Cell Centre Bill, 2008; Delta State Micro Finance Institution Bill, 2008; Public Roads Setbacks for (commercial Purposes and Prohibition) Bill 2008 and the Delta State Estate Regulatory Authority Bill, 2009.
Udoh moved and seconded several motions. She also carried out her oversight functions thoroughly.
She died on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 in the United Kingdom following a protracted illness.
