Nigeria News
Edo lawmakers suspend hostilities to mourn colleague

MEMBERS of Edo State House of Assembly, were yesterday, thrown into mourning following the death of the lawmaker representing Etsako East constituency of the state, Mr. Peter Aliu.

The deceased emerged speaker pro-tempore in 2010, following the impeachment of the then speaker, Zakawanu Garuba.

The news of Aliu’s death came as a shock to many, particularly his colleagues, who felt his failing health had improved recently.

condolence visit: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Mrs Maria Aliu, widow of Hon Peter Aliu, member, Edo State House of Assembly, who passed on after a brief illness during the governor's condolence visit to the widow, yesterday.

The deceased was a strong supporter of the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole and was very visible in the power play in the House between the APC lawmakers and their Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, counterparts.

The late Peter Aliu, 61, passed on in the early hours of yesterday after a brief illness. He is survived by a widow, Mary, and six children.

Governor Oshiomhole, who was accompanied by other members of the State Executive Council, SEC, including his Deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, to pay condolence on the family, said he had lost a brother.

The nine PDP lawmakers, including the impeached former Deputy Speaker, Festus Ebea, temporarily suspended hostilities to pay condolence on the family of their deceased colleague at about 10:30am yesterday.

The governor, who paid a condolence visit to the widow of the late lawmaker, Mrs. Mary Aliu, said: “Aliu was my brother. In moments of temptation, he showed courage and good character. When people plotted to betray us, he stood firm, remained on the side of fairness, justice and principle. When people brought money, he rejected it in favour of principle. The last time I saw him and we had a conversation, he was more concerned about my political wellbeing rather than his health. His colleagues and I called him our father because Aliu conducted himself as a father to everyone, not because he was old but just a statement of his character, fatherly disposition and his commitment to bringing everybody together.”

On his part, the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Uyi Igbe, said they would miss Aliu’s fatherly role .

He said: “I do not know how the advice we got from him can be replaced. His astuteness, respect and political dexterity were unquatifiable. However, God has decided. He knows the best. In everything, He said, we should give thanks and praise unto Him.”

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