The Benue State House of Assembly on Thursday held a solemn valedictory session in honour of former member representing Gwer East State Constituency in the 8th Assembly, Hon. Stephen Bundekaan Tyochir, with lawmakers, former legislators and political associates paying glowing tributes to his life of humility, generosity and dedicated public service at the Benue State House of Assembly complex.
The session, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aondoaver Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS, RQS, saw serving and former members of the House, including former Speakers Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange and Rt. Hon. Dave Iorhemba, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba and former majority leaders, turn out in numbers to celebrate the life, legacies and contributions of the late lawmaker, who served in the Assembly between 2015 and 2019.
Delivering the House funeral oration on behalf of the Assembly, Speaker Emberga described the late Tyochir as a principled legislator who saw public office as a call to selfless service, saying his death had left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill. He noted that the Assembly gathered not for its usual legislative debates but to pay its final respects to a former colleague whose contributions to lawmaking, accountability and grassroots development would remain indelible in the history of the Benue State House of Assembly. The Speaker recalled that the late Tyochir chaired the House Standing Committee on Cooperatives and Rural Development and also served on the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Security, where he distinguished himself as an active, resourceful and knowledgeable legislator.
Emberga further noted that the former lawmaker consistently championed transparency and accountability in government, recalling his contributions during legislative debates on abandoned projects across the state, where he advocated proper engagement with contractors to ensure value for public funds. He described the deceased as a calm, compassionate and peace-loving leader whose integrity and commitment to the welfare of his constituents earned him the admiration of colleagues and the people he represented.
Speaking on behalf of former members of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Sir Sylvester Attachin extolled the virtues of the late Tyochir, describing him as a humble, generous and dependable colleague whose life positively impacted many people. Attachin urged both serving and former lawmakers to remain their brothers’ keepers by sustaining the spirit of unity, compassion and mutual support among members of the legislative family. He also commended Speaker Emberga and members of the 10th Assembly for the support and care extended to him during his period of illness, urging them to continue showing such kindness to colleagues and others in need. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Tyochir’s soul and asked God to grant his family the strength to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.
Also speaking during the valedictory session, Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu delivered a tribute on behalf of lawmakers from Benue North-West (Zone A), while Hon. Dr. Elias spoke on behalf of members from Benue North-East (Zone B). Similarly, Rt. Hon. Abu Umoru paid tribute on behalf of lawmakers from Benue South (Zone C), describing the late former legislator as a committed public servant whose contributions to legislative governance and community development would continue to inspire future generations.
The House later observed a moment of silence in honour of the deceased and extended its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gwer East State Constituency and the entire good people of Benue State. The Speaker prayed for the peaceful repose of Late Hon. Tyochir, noting that his legacy of integrity, patriotism, humility and dedication to service would remain an enduring part of the legislative history in Benue State.
