The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, senator Pius Ewerido, is dead.
Ewherido was said to have suffered from a stroke a few days back but eventually died on Sunday.
He was reported to have suddenly slumped while on phone in his Abuja home and was rushed to the National Hospital, Abuja, two days ago.
Ewherido, who emerged senator on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party, was believed to be positioning himself as a candidate in the 2015 gubernatorial election in Delta State before his death.
He was 50 years old.
President Goodluck Jonathan, in his reaction to Ewherido’s death, said it came to him as a shock.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said: “On behalf of himself and all members of the executive arm of the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Senator Ewherido’s family, the Senate President, Senator David Mark and all of the late Senator’s colleagues in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
“The President joins them, members of the Ewherido family and the government and people of Delta State in mourning the distinguished legislator who served commendably as a member and deputy speaker of the Delta State of Assembly before his election as the Senator representing the Delta Central Senatorial District in the 2011 general elections.
“President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will comfort Senator Ewherido’s family, relatives, colleagues in the National Assembly and all the people of his constituency.
“He further prays that God will, in His infinite mercies, grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss of the very promising politician at the relatively youthful age of 50.”
The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, was said to have wept over what he termed the untimely death of Senator Ewherido, whom he described as a forthright and vibrant parliamentarian.
Mark lamented that Ewherido was one of the foremost and hardworking Senators in the 7th Senate.
He noted that Ewherido has within his short but eventful membership of the Senate displayed patriotism, commitment and truly distinguished himself as a parliamentarian of a very high standard.
He was quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, as saying: “We have lost a true friend and colleague.
“We lost a vibrant and a very articulate senator.
“We have lost a patriotic Nigerian who stood to be counted when it mattered.”
Mark noted that one of Senator Ewherido’s bills on how to address the issue of manslaughter in the land is currently undergoing thorough legislative works, adding that the deceased should have been alive to see his good works aimed at saving mankind.
Mark added that the Senate would do the needful to ensure that the immediate family of Ewherido does not suffer.
He told the government and people of Delta State, especially the bereaved family, to take solace in the fact that the late senator lived an accomplished life worthy of emulation.
The Delta State Government has also commiserated with Ewerido’s family and constituency.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie S. Macaulay, also prayed that God will grant his family, constituents and all Deltans the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The statement reads: “The death is hereby announced of Senator Akpo Pius Ewherido, Senator representing the Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Senator Ewherido died today Sunday, 30th June, 2013 at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.
“The Government of Delta State wish to commiserate with and express its deep condolences to the family at this trying moment. Government advises Deltans, particularly members of his Constituency to remain calm.
“We pray that God grants his family, constituents and all of us, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
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