Bayelsa Assembly Holds Valedictory Session In Honour Of Late Vivien Ere-Imananagha

By Inegbagha Majesty

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Wednesday held a valedictory session in honour of its former member, late Hon. Vivien Ere-Imananagha who died at the age of 63 after a protracted illness.

Hon (High Chief) Michael P. Ogbere

The Valedictory session was presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon (High Chief) Ogbere P Michael who stood in for the Speaker, Rt. Hon (High Chief) Abraham Ingobere.

Late Hon Vivien Ere-Imananagha

Speaking in his Opening remarks, the Deputy Speaker extended his heartfelt welcome to the former and current members of the State House of Assembly, adding that the Valedictory session was in honour of the late former Deputy Chief Whip and member who represented Southern Ijaw Constituency I in the 1st Assembly, late Hon Vivien Ere-Imananagha.

The Deputy Speaker went down memory lane, paying tributes to the departed former Deputy Chief Whip and pioneer female legislator, describing her as a pace-setter, woman of character and bundle of humility whose leadership qualities and various contributions to societal development and good governance was worthy of emulation.

Ogbere on behalf of the members expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late lawmaker, noting that moments such as this remind everyone of the reality of life.

Also in his tribute, the Majority Leader of the House and member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency II, Rt. Hon. Monday-Bubou Edwin Obolo(Ph.D) described her death as sad and devastating, noting that she lived a fulfilled and impactful life.

Rt. Hon Monday -Bubou Edwin Obolo Ph.D

He described her as a compassionate, courageous woman of subbstance and burden carrier who took care of the welfare of people devoid of sentiment nor discrimination.

Obolo affirmed that she was a modest and religion woman who lived a Christ like life, believing that she will be with the Lord.

In their separate tributes, the members representing Brass Constituency I, Nembe 3, and Southern Ijaw I, Hon(Dr) Charles Daniel, Hon (Chief) Douglas Sampson-Awudulu Ph.D and Hon Felix Enikiyokori Bonny Ayah, describing her death as a rude shock and painful, noting her transparency, exemplary leadership qualities and the importance she attached to the welfare of the people, and her pursuit to foster, justice, peace and democratic values and good goveernance.

They noted that the deceased was a vibrant lawmaker who sponsored a bill on abolition of female genital mutilation and was assented into law which help in addressing some cultural practices in the state; in addition of moving and supporting many motions and bills that added economic, social, cultural and political value to the state.

They urged the family to take solace in the Lord because she lived a purposeful and fulfilled life.

Also in their tributes, former lawmakers mourns and eulogized the late Hon Ere-Imananagha, stressing that her journey on earth may have ended but her spirit lives on in the lives she touched and the enduring legacy of service.

They emphasized that her legacy transcends the confines of material wealth, she lived a life that was a testament to the enduring power of a good name of unblemished reputation.

The former Deputy Governor and Speaker, Peremobowei Ebebi mourned the death of the former female lawmaker, whom he described as vivacious, vibrant and eloquent.

His Excellency Peremobowei Ebebi

He said, her death was not because she lack medical care, but her time has come for her to go.

He noted that "Death is a phenomenon and inevitable that all living will pass through depending on time."

The former Deputy Governor prayed to God to give her a rest in his bosom.

In his eulogy, the Chairman of the Former Legislators Forum, Bayelsa State, Hon (Chief) Robert Ayalla Enogha expressed sadness over the death of late Hon Vivien Ere-Imananagha, describing her demise as a great loss that has created a vacuum that may be difficult to fill.

Hon (Chief) Robert Ayalla Enogha

He highlighted the active role played by the state government, family and the lawmakers forum to survive her, which she gave them the confidence that she will not die and they were joyous.

He believed that a situation like this needs God's grace, strength and counseling to bear the fortitude of the irreplaceable loss.

He reminded those that were alive to realize that whatever position they occupy is a privilege, and urged them to make best use of it, as they will be remembered for what they have done.

He prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest.

In his response on behalf of late Hon Ere-Imananagha family, Chief Abel Ebifamowei thanked the lawmakers, former colleagues of the deceased for the financial support, and implored them to also attend her service of song on Friday at Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall by 3.00pm and the Saturday's funeral service and interment in Amassoma.

Chief Abel Ebifamowei

Others who eulogized the demised with their tributes include Rt.Hon Tonye Emmanuel Isenah Ph.D, Hon (Deacon) Indutimi T. Komonibo, Hon Target Isaiah Segibo and Hon Augustus Elliott Osomu.