Ndi Imo | IMHA holds valedictory session for Standford Onyirimba
IMHA holds valedictory session for Standford Onyirimba
The windows of heavens opened today (21/04/2022) and tears poured down freely when the Body of a Great Political Leader, Legislator Per Excellence and Majority Leader Emeritus, Rt Honourable Stanford Ezenwa Onyirimba arrived the Imo State House Of Assembly. It was indeed a moment of sorrow, grief and bended sadness.
Rt Honourable Chief Standford Onyirimba who represented Ehime Mbano State Constituency between 1999 and 2007 legislative session was received by the head of the Legislative Arm of Government and Speaker Of Imo State House Of Assembly, Rt Honourable Barrister Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh, other Honourable Members (both Past and Present Members), Staff and Management of the Imo State House Of Assembly, also, Including friends, political associates, business associates and family members.
Shortly after receiving the body of the Majority Leader Emeritus, a Special Sitting was held in his honour.
The current Majority Leader, Hon Kanayo Onyenaechi and Member Representing Owerri West State Constituency, moved the Motion for the Body of Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba to be admitted into the hallowed Chamber, Thus, "Be it resolved by this Honourable House that leave be granted for the Body of Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba be admitted into the Chamber, for purposes of paying last respect to the deceased".
The Motion was seconded by the Member Representing Ehime Mbano State Constituency, Hon Barrister Emeka Nduka.
When the Speaker put the Motion for adoption, it was unanimously adopted, after which the Body of Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba was admitted into the Chamber. Thereafter, Mr Speaker gave a very short speech, which included the biography of the deceased Political leader, describing him as an honest leader, patriotic father, advisor and indeed, iconic statesman, who brought foundational stability to the Legislative Arm of Government, for which Ndimo would forever remain grateful.
Mr Speaker said, "Honourable Colleagues, Former Members Of IMHA ; It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this Valedictory Session in Honour of one of our own, late Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba, Ikeoha Okigwe Zone and Majority Leader Emeritus of this Great and Noble Assembly. Valedictory Session is what we do not pray for, but unfortunately, it is an occasion that awaits us all.
Mr Speaker continued, " I recall with a deep sense of nostalgia, a star-studded delegation of Okigwe Leaders to my office, just this last December 2021. This very powerful delegation was led by no other than an astute Parliamentarian, Consummate Lawmaker, a Revered Leader, a Gentleman Per Excellence and Statesman, Rt Honourable Chief Stanford Ezenwa Onyirimba. He ceased that Opportunity to discuss almost everything of concern to him, as though there would not be a next meeting. How would I have known that Ikeoha Okigwe Zone was indeed having his last meeting with me, as we never met again till his transition, few weeks later.
Rt Honourable Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba was born on the 22nd of May, 1959 into the family of Chief C. S and Mercy Onyirimba, his parents. He was a son with a bright future and big destiny. He attended Mac-Gregor Teachers Training College in Afigbo from 1978 to 1979, and started as a Pioneer Teacher at Osuachara Girls Secondary School in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area Of Imo State. Later, he attended the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he majored in Economics and was the first Director Of Transport in the Students Union Government. In 1984, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
Ikeoha Okigwe Zone, Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba later joined his brother, Attorney Charles Onyirimba in the United States Of America, where he attended Florida A and M University, for his Post Graduate Program, from where he moved to Atlanta, Georgie in 1991.
In 1992, Rt Honourable Standford Onyirimba returned to Nigeria and Established his Company, Willoughby Nigeria Ltd, where he opened a bakery, producing one of the best loaves in Portharcourt, Rivers State. He also Established the first Business Centre in Owerri, Imo State".
Rt Honourable Kennedy Ibeh still continued, "In 1999, following his generosity and love he had for his Ehime Mbano Constituency and Okigwe Zone at large, he was elected into the Imo State House Of Assembly. Thereupon, Chief Standford Onyirimba was appointed the Majority Leader of the House. He held this position for two terms. Within the two terms in which he served, he was House Committee Chairman On Budget and Appropriation, and House Committee Chairman On Business and Rules. A position through which he contributed substantially to the development of the State.
He gave Ehime Mbano State Constituency a quality representation which led to Political Appointments, creation of New Autonomous Communities and Employment into the Civil Service and creation of New Electoral Wards in his Constituency.
Some of the Motions he Sponsored were the Motion which led to the Establishment of Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, and the Motion that changed the Creed from "Land Of Hope" to "Eastern Heartland" and many other motions and Bills.
Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba was also a Governorship Aspirant of the Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, in 2007. In 2015, he contested for the Federal House Of Representatives Seat to represent Okigwe South Federal Constituency.
Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba was the Chairman of Okigwe Elders Council and was also appointed ISOPADEC Commissioner by Governor Emeka Ihedioha in 2020. He remained a loyal and dedicated Member Of the PDP from 1999 to 2021, when he joined the All Progressive Congress, APC. He was a Knight of the Anglican Church. He was also conferred with many Chieftaincy titles, in recognition of his selfless contribution to the growth of society, among which were Ikeoha Okigwe Zone, Omezirimba Mbaitoli, Omeudo Ngor-Okpala etc. He is survived by his wife, Madame Chinyere Charity Onyirimba and four Children. May the Great Soul Of Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba, Ikeoha Okigwe Zone, rest in peace, Amen. Mr Speaker submitted".
After the very short speech by Mr Speaker, a Minute Silence in Honour of the Great Parliamentarian was observed.
The following Past and Present Distinguished Honourable Members paid commendable glowing tributes to the fallen Political Leader.......
1. Hon Barrister Emeka Nduka ( Member Representing Ehime Mbano Constituency).
2. Hon Chief Ifeanyi Agwu (Member who represented Ehime Mbano State Constituency, 2007-2011).
3. Rt Honourable Chief Amaechi Nwoha (Former Speaker and who represented Nwangele State Constituency, 2003-2011).
4. Rt Honourable Prince Ugochukwu Nzekwe (Member who represented Nkwerre State Constituency, 2003-2011).
5. Rt Honourable Chief Nkem Nwankwo (Member who represented Ngor-Okpala State Constituency and Chief whip, 1991-1993).
6. Hon Chief Mike Iheanetu, Akwa-akwuru (Member who represented Aboh Mbaise State Constituency, 2007-2011, 2015-2019).
7. Hon Chief Barrister COC Onuoha (Member who represented Ideato North State Constituency, 1999-2003).
8. Rt Honourable Chief Ike C. Ibe (Member who represented Obowo State Constituency, 1991-1993).
9. Hon Chigozie Nwaneri (Member Representing Oru East State Constituency).
10. Hon. Barrister Dominic Ezerioha (Member Representing Oru-west State Constituency).
11. Hon Chief Eddy Obinna Aboh Mbaise (Member Representing State Constituency).
12. Rt Honourable Chief Mark Uchendu (Member who represented Ihitte/Uboma State Constituency, 1999-2003).
13. Rt Honourable Chief Paul Emeziem (Member Representing Onuimo State Constituency).
Thereafter, Mr Speaker led Honourable Members, both Past and Present, to file past the remains of Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba.
Other Past Honourable Members who were Present to Honour the Fallen Political Leader and Legislator Per Excellence Included the following.
1. Rt Honourable Maxwell Duru.
2. Rt Honourable Okey Dike.
3. Hon Chief Chris Okoroji.
4. Hon Chief Clinton Amadi (Alaomajijiji of Owerri Nchi-ise).
5. Hon Chief Nkenna Nzerue.
6. Rt Honourable Donatus Odoemena.
7. Hon Chief Prince Robertson Ekwebelem
8. Hon Chief Maxwell Odunze.
9. Hon Jasper Ndubuaku.
10. Hon Chief Steve Orji.
11. Hon Chief Victor Ndunagu.
12. Rt Honourable Chief Engr Chika Madumere.
13. Hon Emma Orie.
14. Hon Ngozi Ogbu.
15. Hon Chief Larry Ajaero.
16. Hon Chief Obike
17. Hon Chief Damian Ogu.
18. Hon Chief Kingsley
The Majority Leader, Hon Kanayo Onyenaechi moved the Motion for Grant of leave for the Body of Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba, Ikeoha Okigwe Zone, to leave the Chamber. This was Seconded by Hon Chief Solomon Anukam, and it was unanimously endorsed when Mr Speaker put it for adoption.
Sitting was adjourned.
May the Great Soul of Rt Honourable Chief Standford Ezenwa Onyirimba, Ikeoha Okigwe Zone, Omezirimba Mbaitoli, Omeudo Ngor-Okpala, Rest In Peace, Amen.
