Senator E. A. Lamai
26th of May, 2023
10:00am – 2:00noon
“It’s my singular honour to welcome you to this 1st lecture in memory of our Father, Senator Ekpemoriri Akhagbemhe Lamai. OON. It’s a huge privilege to be an offshoot of such a political giant whose compassionate and development footprints we the children are still struggling to fit.”
Speaking further, Richard recounts a loving and selfless father whose achievements are centered on the concept of humanity, service, and upliftment of the people. The former senator was a man of truth, who dare to speak the truth at all times irrespective of whose horse is gored.
“At various times he spoke truth to temporary powers at the risk of his life”
Richard also reflected on a kind-hearted father, especially when it has to do with creating pathways where education in the state is not only inexpensive but accessible, especially to the poor.
“He gave up homes so that people can be educated, channeled infrastructure development, and championed minority rights.”
Senator E. A Lamai spoke the truth even to dare-devil colonialists and confronted the excesses of the then-District Colonial Officer impoverishing his people during colonial Nigeria before the country’s independence in 1960.
As a politician, he is a lover of due process and justice.
These enviable and dignified leadership attributes made him a Senator under the NCNC political party in 1964. “Money or No Money, Lamai is Lamai”, is a slogan that attests to his amiable personality, and made him win all elections and was always appointed into political administrative offices, from councilor to chairman of Etsako District Council, chairman of parastatals and educational institutions.
“He loved the freedom of man to make his own political choices and hate imposition of unpopular persons by partisan and parochial leaders. This led him to champion, support, and also enthroned the first independent candidate in the then kukuruku division, which metamorphosed to Edo North Senatorial District.”
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. The former Senator despises corruption and its look alike.
Furthermore, Richard enjoins all political officeholders to imbibe the spirit of patriotism and selflessness. He further encouraged that the conversations from discussants be deliberated on, reflected on, and be a basis by which the country begins to make drastic decisions in making pro-people laws that will elevate the country’s democratic processes.
“As our Nation enjoys 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, executive and renowned business gurus.”
In conclusion, he congratulated the incoming government of President-Elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
