Tears as Oyo lawmakers bid assassinated colleague farewell

Tears flowed freely on Thursday as lawmakers in Oyo State paid their last respect to their slain colleague, Gideon Aremu, at the House of Assembly complex.
Aremu (LP), representing Orelope State Constituency, was killed by unknown assailant on July 1 in front of his resident at Alakia area of Ibadan.
In his valedictory speech, the Speaker of the House, Michael Adeyemo, described the deceased as a promising and dedicated lawmaker who contributed meaningfully to the emergence of quality bills.
Adeyemo said: “Gideon was a gentleman who used his experience as an ex-military man to brilliantly carry out his duty as the Chairman House Committee on Information, Public Relations and Security.
“He was committed to the development of the state and sponsored public interest bills like the Anti-Kidnapping Bill.
“He demonstrated true nationalism and patriotism, a gesture that cannot be easily forgotten.
“He is dead, but he lives on and so his legacy.”
The Deputy Speaker, Musah Abdul-Wasi (Saki West/APC), said Aremu was a bridge builder and an advocate of due process.
Abdul-Wasi said: “I have only known Aremu a little over a year and we have come to form a great bond beyond mere comradeship.
“We had a rare dream of catapulting this friendship beyond the floor of this honourable House; this has become an aborted dream.
“Oorelope will go on to elect a new member, but Aremu is irreplaceable and the society has lost a father and a great friend.”
Solomon Ajanaku (APC/Ibadan South-West II) said the late Aremu was a gentle and quiet member of the Assembly who had never been found wanting in his responsibilities as a lawmaker.
Ajanaku, the Chairman House Parliamentary Caucus, said Aremu was an intelligent young man whose contributions both at plenary and state development were immense.
Gbenga Oyekola (LP-Atiba) said the assassination was gruesome and one too many.
According to Oyekola, the deceased was a man of integrity and a highly refined lawmaker who was a shining example to others.
The representative of the Labour Party, Kazeem Adedeji, said the deceased was a consummate lawmaker whose life would remain an inspiration to all.
Adedeji, a former Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, said Aremu’s assassination opened another sad chapter in the history of the state.
He said: “He had an impeccable record of objecting to violence as instrument of policy.
“He rose to prominence through hard work and selflessness.
“He served meritoriously in the Nigerian Army and also fought gallantly in the peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone and Liberia in 1997.”
Adedeji called for a thorough investigation into the killing to ensure that Aremu’s death was not in vain.
According to him, Aremu was a shining light in a society that is fast losing its grips in promoting people of impeccable character into politics.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Moses Adeyemo, said the state government would do everything to make sure that the perpetrators were caught.
Adeyemo said: “The apex of our governance is security.
“This act of wickedness has brought sorrow to the family, people of his constituency and the sate in general.”
The tribute session was attended by members of the House; Alhaji Sarafadeen Alliance, a former Secretary to the State Government in Oyo State; Dr Kola Balogun, a former Commissioner for Commerce, Oyo State; and Lowo Obisesan, a former Commissioner for the Environment and Habitat.
Others were Janet Adeyemo, wife of the Deputy Governor; Olu Abiala, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress; Alhaji Bashir Apampa; and former members of the House of Assembly.
Aremu is survived by a mother, wife and four young children.
Meanwhile, activities for the transition of the politician continue today at his hometown, Igboho in Oke-Ogun Area of Oyo State.


Source: Eagle Online