A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the President of the Senate, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying in his brief remarks, “We would have loved to be here during the birthday of your dear wife and not on her demise. I know it is easier for you Muslims to accept this tragedy because of your belief that Allah gives and takes and that you can’t question God.
“Nobody can say you shouldn’t cry because you have lost someone so dear to you and that is why we, your brothers in the Senate, are here across party lines to console you over this great loss.
“We had another tragedy today. We lost a serving House member from Oyo State and that is to tell us the fragility of life. The entire Senate is here today. You are not alone in this.”
Speaking further, he prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, saying, “We, your brothers and colleagues are all here to mourn with you. We came as one Senate to console you and pray that may Almighty Allah give you, the children, and the entire family, the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the soul of the departed wife and mother, eternal rest.”
Earlier, Akpabio had led members of the National Assembly on a visit to the Nisa Premier Hospital, Jabi, Abuja, over the sudden death of a member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon Musiludeen Olaide Akinremi.
During the short plenary, the Senate observed a one-minute silence in honour of the late honourable member while they sent their condolence to the family of the deceased, his constituents in Ibadan North and the government of Ibadan state.
Aderemi who represented the Ibadan North federal constituency at the House of Representatives died on Wednesday at the age of 51.
In his reaction, Senator Na’Allah thanked Akpabio for leading his colleagues on a condolence visit to him over the demise of his wife.
He said, “My relationship with the President of the Senate, is a long-standing one. I don’t know where to start. He is a true friend of my family. I thank you my dear colleagues for coming to commiserate with me and my family. If every wife is like my late wife, men will not have problems in life. I remain eternally grateful for this visit.”
