Nigeria, Nov. 19 -- Okey Ezea, Nigerian Senator, is dead

The Senator representing Enugu North District, Okey Ezea, is dead.

Mr Ezea died at a private hospital in Lagos State on Tuesday, according to a statement on Wednesday by his first son, Jideofor Ezea, on behalf of the family.

"With profound grief, the family of Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, announces his passing," Jideofor said in the statement.

He said the 62-year-old senator passed on at about 11:07 p.m. on Tuesday in Lagos State after "a brief illness."

The lawmaker's son appealed to Nigerians to commit the bereaved family in prayers during "this difficult time."

"Until his passing, he remained the only f...