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At its plenary session on Tuesday, the Senate formally commemorated the life and service of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, whose untimely passing on July 26 left a void in the legislative body. The tribute, delivered with reverence, reminds of the senator’s enduring legacy and the impact of his work in the Nigerian Senate.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, born on September 3, 1971, represented the Anambra South Senatorial District in both the 9th and 10th National Assemblies, where his leadership and advocacy for his constituents distinguished him as a key figure in Nigerian politics. His work in the Senate reflected his dedication to the advancement of his people and the nation as a whole.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away before his time, was a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream. His leadership in this role allowed him to spearhead legislative reforms that sought to address the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The remains of the departed senator were respectfully placed in a casket at the entrance of the White House wing, directly opposite the Senate Chamber.
This location, imbued with significance, marked a final moment of connection between the senator and the very institution where he had once served.
On that day, the agenda was remarkably simple, with only one item listed: “Valedictory Session.”
In a show of respect, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, donned traditional Isi-Enyi attire paired with a matching red cap and dark sunglasses.
Similarly, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, wore Isi-Agwu attire. Senator Ubah’s seat in the chamber was adorned with flowers and draped in a cloth painted in the colours of the Nigerian flag.
The session was opened to non-senators, allowing dignitaries and other invited guests to pay their respects.
Among those in attendance were Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former Anambra State governor, Senator Chris Ngige, the widow of the deceased, Uchenna Ubah, and former Anambra Central Senator, Uche Ekwunife.
The wives of presiding and principal Senate officers were also present, including Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate President; Hajiya Jibrin Barau, wife of the Deputy Senate President; and Oluyemisi Bamidele, wife of the Senate Leader, among others.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, led a delegation of House leaders in a solemn procession around the late senator’s casket.
The atmosphere was sombre as the Senate paid its final tributes to Senator Ubah, whose contributions to the legislative body were celebrated during the session.
The Vice President, in his eulogy, said, “The last time I met my brother, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, was when you (Akpabio) came with him along with the Majority Leader, Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele and the beautiful Hadiza Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to condole me over the loss of my mother-in-law.
Read also: Honour Ifeanyi Ubah By Freeing Nnamdi Kanu – Okorocha To FG
“The youngest member of the ninth Senate was also one of its brightest stars. His age bellied his political dexterity and grassroots affiliation.”
Shettima added, “His generosity knows no bounds. There was a time when the Boko Haram viciously attacked a community in Borno State.
“Senator Ifeanyi Ubah reached out to me. He sent to my account a donation of N50m and said, ‘Please do not want this donation to be publicised’. Ifeanyi Ubah was a good man.
“His rebuilding capacity elevated his political journey beyond others and more established in the arena.
“I want to align myself with the earlier Speaker, Osita Izunaso, who quoted John Donne, who said ‘In mankind, never send to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.’
“Death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck. We are all travellers on our journeys home. From where? From God to God.
“My condolences to his family, friends, and political associates. Most especially to you, good folks, who are planning to go on the journey. I will miss my friends. Thank you very much.”
