THE lawmaker representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Rose Oko, is dead. She was 63. Oko was a second term member of the upper chamber and served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment.
She was said to have died on Monday at a United Kingdom (UK) medical facility where she had been receiving treatment in the last one month.
“She passed on last night in the UK where she had been in the last one month,” a close aide said while confirming the death.
“The amazon goes home, sad! Distinguished Senator Dr. Mrs. Rose Okoji Oko, you left us at the time your services to the great people of CRS are highly needed. May your soul rest in peace. Amen,” another aide posted on his Facebook wall.
One of her relatives simply said: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing on of my dear cousin, Senator Dr. Rose Okoji Oko after a long fought battle with physical affliction.
“You gave your best to your world. Now that it has pleased the Almighty God to call you home, may your soul find eternal rest in heaven. Adieu, distinguished Senator Dr. Rose Okoji Oko.”
Born on September 27, 1956, Senator Oko was a member of the House of Representatives representing Yala/Ogoja Federal Constituency during the 7th National Assembly.
She severed as deputy chairman, House Committee on Education while in the House of Representatives. She was elected into the 8th Senate in June 2015 and reelected into the 9th Senate in June 2019. She was the chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) during the 8th Senate.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan has expressed shock about the death of Senator Oko. Lawan, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, commiserated with the deceased’s family.
The Senate President also condoled with the people and government of Cross River State over the loss. Lawan said Senator Oko’s death was a great loss to the Senate and also to Nigerian women in politics.
The Senate President said that the late Senator would be missed by her colleagues in the 9th Assembly.
He prayed that the Almighty God will comfort her family and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has described as shocking and sad, the untimely death of Dr. Oko.
“Rose’s transition is a personal tragedy to me for she was more than a political affiliate. I’m downcast. I’m crestfallen. My heart is heavy. I lack words to describe the extent of my grief,” the governor said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita.

By Sanni Onogu