SAM OBI: Delta Assembly Holds Valedictory Plenary Session

The Delta State House of Assembly on Thursday held a valedictory plenary session in honour of its late former Speaker, Honourable (Prince) Sam Obi.

In his speech on the solemn occasion, the Speaker of the House, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, lamented the demise of the former speaker, which he said came as a rude shock.

According to him; ” This is even more painful knowing that the late Hon. Speaker once sat in this same position to preside over the House in Plenary. I must confess that his demise was never contemplated at this time. This is rather the sun setting at noon. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

“Honourable Colleagues, from the tributes and testimonies I have re itad and heard since the passing of the former Speaker, it seems to me that the late Honourable Speaker knew his vision very early in life and chose to serve humanity and God from the very beginning. His political trajectory and his relationship with God are loud testimonies to this fact”, he stated.

Oborevwori noted that Sam Obi believed in incremental progress in the journey of life, saying that he began his political career as a Councillor and rose steadily to become the Speaker of the House and eventually an Acting Governor of the State in 2010.

He said the deceased represented the Ika North East Constituency in the House from 2003 to 2015, during which he was the Speaker from July 2010 to June 2011, adding that as the 9th Speaker of the House in the Fourth Assembly, he left his mark in the history books of the Delta State House of Assembly.

The Speaker disclosed that under his leadership of the House, the Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidation Law (Amendment) Bill 2010; Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku Law (Amendment) Bill, 2010; Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe Law (Amendment) Bill 2010; Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro Law (Amendment) Bill, 2010; Delta State College of Physical Education Mosogar Law (Amendment) Bill, 2010; College of Education, Agbor Law (Amendment) Bill, 2010; College of Education, Warri Law (Amendment) Bill 2010; Delta State University Law (Amendment) Bill, 2010; and Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission Law (Amendment) Bill, 2010; among others, were passed.

He stated that as member representing Ika North East, Sam Obi demonstrated uncommon capacity and knowledge at plenary, as he dutifully contributed to debates on the floor of the House and was critical in his approach to issues, very engaging and robust in making his point.

According to the Speaker; “Prior to his election as a member of the House, Sam Obi was elected as Councillor and Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Council. He was also Chairman, Board of Directors of the Pointer Newspaper. His vision for the Newspaper is still a reference point till date.

“With the several positions of privilege he occupied in his lifetime, he remained meek, gentle and passionate about the welfare of others. Rt. Hon. Sam Obi was kind with praises whenever Antone did well and also quick to rebuke for not doing well. He had a good heart for laughter but firm in decision making.

“Sadly, we are here today talking about Rt. Hon. (Prince) Sam Obi in past tense. My heart bleeds. His passing is not only a loss to his family but to all Deltans. Delta State has lost a political leader with rare grace”, he added.

While  extending his heartfelt condolences, the Speaker urged all and sundry to remember those he left behind in their prayers for God to give them the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

“We all should also be consoled that His Excellency, Rt Hon Prince Sam Obi lives an eventful life of service to humanity and God. As the General Over.

In his tribute, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Ochor Christopher Ochor, said “I will miss him greatly and I wish him safe journey home to his creator”.

The Chief Whip, Hon (Princess) Pat Ajudua, stated that Sam Obi was  very close to her, describing him as a good and fulfilled man who would be greatly missed, while the Minority Leader, Hon Anidi Innocent, posited that; “We are going to miss this great leader of our time”. 

On his part, the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata, said death had cut short the life of a good, great man and a wonderful leader, while the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Oboro Preyor, described his death as a painful one. 

The Majority Whip of the House and member representing the Ika South Constituency, Hon Festus Okoh, said the Ika nation had lost a wonderful man and a great leader.

The member representing Ika North East, Hon Anthony Elekeokwuri, said it was difficult for him and people of Ika nation to believe that Sam Obi was no more, descry him as a great man well known in the Ika nation and a good friend.

Others who paid tribute included the member representing Warri North Hon Fred Martins; the member representing Ughelli South, Hon Reuben Izeze, the member representing Aniocha North, Hon (Engr) Emeka Nwaobi, his Aniocha South counterpart, Hon Austin Chikezie, Hon Charles Emetulu of Ndokwa West; member representing Udu, Hon Peter Uviejitobor and member representing Ughelli North Constituency two, Hon Eric Oharisi.

Other members of the House spoke in the same vain and prayed for his gentle soul to rest in perfect peace.

Former Speakers of the Delta State House of Assembly and non sitting members also paid tribute to the late Sam Obi.