Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has mourned the passing of Franca Afegbua, Nigeria’s first elected female Senator.
In a condolence letter personally signed by the Deputy Governor and addressed to the Afegbua Royal Family of Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, the number two citizen stated:
“It is with a deep sense of loss that I received the shocking news of the demise of your beloved daughter, Senator Franca Afegbua, at the age of 79 years”.
“She was a proud Edo daughter and quintessential symbol of womanhood, who blazed the trail in Nigerian politics as the first elected female Senator in 1983”.
Shaibu described the late Senator as a worthy representative of her people in the Nigerian parliament.
“During her tenure in the red chambers of the National Assembly as representative of the good people of Bendel North Senatorial District, in the defunct Bendel State on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, she provided effective representation for her people”.
“Her voice always resonated in the hallowed chambers as an active and articulate member of parliament”.
“A rare breed of many positive parts, Senator Franca Afegbua was a renowned politician of outstanding excellence, who poured out her heart to many – across the socio-economic, political and religious divide”.
“No doubt, she would be sorely missed. Permit me to commiserate with the entire Afegbua Royal Family of Okpella, both at home and in the diaspora, for the irreparable loss of a great Nigerian patriot”.
The Deputy Governor prayed to God Almighty to grant the deceased Senator eternal rest.
“May the good Lord accept the repose of her gentle soul through the mercy of Jesus Christ Amen”.