Fmr Speaker, River State House of Assembly, Tonye Harry, Dies

The Rivers Government has expressed shock over the death of Mr Tonye Harry, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly on Friday.

Harry, who was Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, died in air ambulance en route France for treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Friday that Harry was patriotic and committed to the rule of law.

“The Government and people of Rivers State received with shock in the early hours of Friday, Oct.4, news of the sudden demise of Tonye Ezekiel Harry.

“Harry was until his demise, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He was Deputy Speaker of the 4th and 5th Assembly and Speaker of the 6th Assembly. His patriotic commitment to the rule of law and contributions to the growth and development of Rivers State through the legislature will be missed.

“Government condoles with the immediate family of the former speaker, the people of Degema and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“We pray that God Almighty will give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’’