Umukoro to Delta lawmakers: Emulate Omawumi Udoh, connect to the less privileged

·         Tributes as Hon. Udoh begins her final journey from mother earth

It was tributes galore this morning, Thursday, 23/3/2017 at the Delta State House of Assembly chambers when current and old colleagues of the late Hon. Beatrice Omawumi Udoh (Warri South 1) remembered her good deeds, and poured encomiums on her as her remains began the last journey to from mother earth.

Mrs. Udoh died on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 in the United Kingdom after a protracted illness.

Late Hon. (Mrs) Omawumi Udoh.

As her casket laid in state in the legislative chambers where she was a member over four terms from 2003-2015, representing Warri South 1 constituency , grief, emotions were on display by her colleagues, some of who had to physically breakdown in tears.

On hand to honour their fallen colleague were former Speakers, old colleagues, the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, and other non-members of the Assembly included the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Mukoro, all of who remembered their days and experiences with Mrs. Udoh who they described wonderful, leader that led well, a stabilizer, loyalist, forthright woman, courageous, an embodiment of peace, and a mother to her colleagues in the House.  

Justice Umukoro, who said that late Hon. Omawumi Udoh in her service as a legislator and politician connected well with the less privileged in her constituency, used the opportunity to request current members of the House and other politicians to emulate her laudable disposition to the less privileged by also connecting these people .

Umukoro called attention to the growing and teeming number of persons in the age brackets of 17 and 35 years that roam the streets without visible means of livelihood; without uncles and others that could help them. “We are going to hand over to them as we finish our terms on earth. Some of them have masters degree, and they are riding okada. “Let us use the opportunity of the death of Mrs. Omawumi Udoh to look into the problems of these youths and come out with solutions to their plight,” Justice Umuporo said.

He announced that his visits to the prison houses in Delta State showed an alarming proportion of over 3,500 inmates in the prisons in Delta alone.

Rt.Hon. Victor Ochei described her as a wonderful colleague a fine person who seldom spoke on the floor of the House, but that whenever should stood to speak , her voice could not be ignored.

While Rt. Hon. Frank Enekorogha described her as an embodiment of peace, Hon. Tim Owhefere said: “I am very sad and more afraid seeing Hon. (Mrs) Udoh in the casket. I am afraid because the situation speaks of the emptiness of life. Hon. Udoh taught e loyalty as a politician, and that to succeed in the business of politics you must be loyal; that when you are loyal, you will have no problem being in politics.”

Rt.Hon. (Mrs) Onyemaechi Mrakpor broke own totally emotionally, even as she remembered Mrs. Udoh as one never left anyone alone in battle. She would always intervene. “She was a leader that led you on; she was a stabilizer,” Mrs. Mrakpor said.

For Hon. Johnson Erijo, Mrs. Udoh was a symbol of stability, forthright woman, and of great courage, with a high sense of forgiveness. She was a mother of peace.

Hon. Tonye Time recalled how as chairman of Delta state House of assembly, Mrs. Udoh intervened to save him from detractors who sought fervently to nail him, and send him out of his job.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Igbuya described Mrs. Udoh as one who lived a life of distinction. He said: “Predestined for an active life in the service of the people, Hon. Omawumi Udoh a politician of note, joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on whose platform she was elected member of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. Her achievements were remarkable in many respects.

“A clear headed politician, Hon. Udoh represents even in death, a down –to-earth story strewn in challenges. Though of humble beginning, the outstanding lawmaker never allowed the deprivations of her youth, state of birth and gender prejudice to stand in her path to prominence. She showed the essential qualities of courage in a field considered the preserve of men,” Igbuya said, adding;

“A role model to women and politicians in the country, and a source of inspiration to many in Warri South and Warri North, Hon. Udoh did not at any time betray the fact that hard work pays…. We shall never forget you. Adieu, a great lover of the people”.