Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has received with shock and disbelief the death of the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Tonye Harry. Harry was the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State legislature while Amaechi was Speaker for the eight years of the Peter Odili administration.
Harry then took over from Amaechi as Speaker for the first four years of the Amaechi administration.
He represented Degema State constituency.
Amaechi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), David Iyofor, described Harry’s death as deeply shocking and traumatic for him.
He recalled with nostalgia and fond memories the life and times of Harry.
“I am still traumatised by the sad news of the death of Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry. I still find it impossible to come to terms that Tonye is no more. I was with him, by his hospital bed shortly after he fell ill and everyone was very hopeful that he was going to come out of the health crisis, stronger and better. Sadly, he couldn’t make it but God knows best.”
“Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry will be dearly missed. He was a thorough and distinguished legislator, an astute politician who believed that politics and public office should be about service to the people. Over the years, he worked very hard and diligently to make Rivers State a better place. His contributions to the legislative development of the state was indeed enormous. Over the years, we worked together, very closely; he was a friend and brother that will be dearly missed. He has left a vacuum that will be very difficult to fill.
“He left behind a loving wife and wonderful family that will really miss him. But God knows best. I pray God Almighty to give them the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss. ”
