The Executive Director, of Senator E A Lamai Foundation, Chief Richard Lamai has said that his father was a humane community organizer and development expert who placed the upliftment of his fellow man before his comfort.
Chief Lamai said this at the 1st Senator Ekpemoriri Akhagbemhe Lamai Memorial Lecture held in Abuja.
“At various times, he spoke truth to temporary powers at the risk of his life, gave up homes so that people can be educated, channeled infrastructure development, and championed minority rights. No wonder he confronted the colonialists, Chief Richard Lamai said.
He reiterated that Late Senator Lamai loved the freedom of men to make their own political choices and hate the imposition of unpopular persons by partisan and parochial leaders.
“This led him to champion, support and enthroned the first independent candidate in the then kukuruku division.
“For his uncommon political sagacity, the NCNC chose him to be the Senator representing the good people of kukuruku division now, Edo North, in 1964.
“After the civil war, he also participated in the political processes with a very clear pro-people manifesto against well-oiled and deep pocket competitors.
“With the people on his side and the slogan “Money or No Money, Lamai is Lamai”, he won all elections from councillorship to chairmanship of Etsako District Council and was always called to serve in an administrative capacity as chairman of parastatals and educational institutions.
“My father, our father, desired egalitarianism and believed in achieving this in a democratic setting.
“The Senate and other legislative arms are the only distinctive organs differentiating other forms of government.
“As our Nation enjoy an uninterrupted period of participatory democracy in this 4th Republic, it is apt to analyze the effect of democratically derived legislation and policies by the senate on the development envisioned by the likes of my father, Senator E.A Lamai, through this lecture by eminent experts in jurisprudence, constitutional, commercial law, the Executive, and renowned business gurus.
Prof. Mike A. A. Ozekhome, SAN, during the lecture, said that Senator (Chief) Ekpemoriri Akhagbemhe Lamai in his lifetime, interrogated governance.
Ozekhome who spoke on, “X-raying the Nigerian Senate (1st-4th Republic) As A Tool For Nation-Building,” said that Senator Ekpemoriri Akhagbemhe Lamai spoke truth to colonial power.
“He challenged their impunity, and excesses, and simulated a sense of superiority. He dared to tread where ordinary mortals feared to approach. He asked the right questions.
“He answered the questions. He even questioned the answers. In doing this, this handsome, sartorial, tactical, and strategic political legend left no stone unturned, and no turn unstoned.
“The colonial masters dreaded him to no end. The fear of Senator Lamai, for them, was the beginning of wisdom.
Ozekhome said x-raying the Nigerian Senate from the 1st to 4th Republics as a tool for nation-building reveals both successes and major challenges that have shaped the country’s political landscape.
“Throughout these periods, the Nigerian Senate has played a crucial role in the nation’s governance, legislation, and representation.
“One of the notable successes of the Nigerian Senate is its contribution to the development and passage of significant laws and shaping of policies that have had a profound impact on the nation.
“These include constitutional amendments, landmark legislations, and oversight functions that have shaped Nigeria’s democracy and governance structure. The Senate has provided a platform for diverse voices, representing various regions, ethnicities, and interests, fostering inclusivity and national unity.
“Ultimately, x-raying the Nigerian Senate from the 1st to 4th Republics as a tool for nation-building reveals both successes and challenges. By addressing these challenges and building on modest successes, the Nigerian Senate can become an even more powerful instrument for fostering national development, promoting good governance, protecting fundamental rights, and advancing the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Senator Victor Kassim Isa Oyofo, speaking on “Leadership as it should be on Earth”, is necessary therefore for him to situate things properly.
“Man is only sojourning on Earth and his period of stay is defined from birth to the death of his physical body, which terminates his stay on the Earth.
“Therefore he is only a part of a Continuum and the bigger part of this life is beyond what he can comprehend with earthly senses, Senator Victor Kassim Isa Oyofo said.
He further said that the most distinguished Senator Ekpemoriri Lamai was a man who blazed the Trail and did many things which were thought impossible in the time he lived.
“He championed the cause of the Kukuruku people, now Afemai or Edo North Senatorial District. He was a fearless warrior of indomitable courage. Just as his name embodies.
“He fought for freedom, shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Chief Dennis Osadebe and even in NCNC of the great Zik of Africa. People of The Midwest Region now Edo and Delta States owe their political freedom to many, like Anthony Enahoro and this great son of Etsako, Senator Victor Kassim Isa Oyofo said.
Barr Oludotun Sowemimo, a guest at the lecture, commended Chief Richard Lammai for the laudable effort of amplifying an apt discussion that is pertinent to the continued peaceful sustenance of the presidential system of government, by stating that the legislative branch of government can no longer be a rubber stamp for the Executive arm of government.
“Nigeria needs a vibrant Legislative and Judiciary that will act as a check and balance of the various branches of government as provided for in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the grund norm foundation of the democracy which our political class enjoys so much. The doctrine of separation of powers must be practiced, it is not a mere theoretical or academic exercise, Barr Oludotun Sowemimo said.
Dignitaries across Nigeria attended the first Senator Ekpe Moriri Lamai Memorial Lecture organized by the Senator E. A. Lamai Foundation on Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Shehu Musa Ya’rdua Centre, Abuja.
The lecture was in memory of the 14th anniversary of the late icon, Senator Ekpemoriri Akhagbemhe Lamai Transition.
The lecture titled “X-raying the Role of the Senate in Nation Building from 1st Republic to Present Day 4th Republic’, has in attendance former Edo State Governor, Oserhemen Osunbor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, former Governor of Edo State, Adam Oshiomhole and Senator Abubakar Umar Gada among others.
