From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Emotions ran high in the Red Chamber on Tuesday as Senators shared their life experiences with Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, APC Anambra South, who died in London on 27 July at the age of 52.
The sombre lawmakers reflected on the social, political, business, and family ideologies of their late colleague, describing him as someone who lived an exemplary life. They submitted that his absence would be sorely missed.
Tributes, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, were showered on Ubah during a valedictory plenary session held in his honour. Until his death, Ubah was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).
The Senators, in their resolutions, suspended all legislative activities, including committee meetings, observed a minute’s silence, and conducted a procession to the casket bearing the remains of the late Anambra South Senator, lying in state in the foyer of the White House wing of the National Assembly Complex.
This followed a motion raised by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central, which read: *”That the Senate do now pay tributes in honour of the late Senator Ubah, Patrick Ifeanyi (Anambra South) (3rd September 1971 – 26th July 2024).”*
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the immediate family, close relatives, friends of the deceased, and leaders from Anambra and other Southeast states were admitted into the Senate Chamber to observe the proceedings.
In his opening tribute, Akpabio, who was nearly moved to tears, described Ubah as someone who lived an impactful life and touched thousands of lives, saying his death had left a “deficit in the Anambra and Nigerian political space.”
He recounted Ubah’s legacy:
*”For us, we gather to share the painful memories of one of the most erudite Nigerians in the country.
“Ubah died at the prime age of 52 while on active legislative duty. I condole with the APC family and the entire Senate. The mood today remains the same as yesterday’s night of tributes. The tragedy is the reason for us to be the way we are.
“He championed economic empowerment for his community and Anambra as a whole. His legacies are everywhere, and these legacies shall forever be our memories.
“He was a brother, not just a colleague. He did his best for the Nigerian Senate, and he was excited at the passage of the South-East Development Commission Bill.”*
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a motion brought to the floor, highlighted the sterling achievements of the deceased lawmaker, specifically his sponsorship of 15 bills since his Senate debut in 2019.
*”His death is a painful blow to all of us,”* the motion read.
*”He was a very successful businessman and politician, and in 2019 he was honoured by former President Muhammadu Buhari with the national honour of CON. He believed in friendship, was devoted to humanity, and was extraordinary.”*
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin spoke of Ubah’s philanthropic attributes and urged the Senate to rally around his wife and children.
*”I pray that the soul of our brother rests in peace,”* Barau prayed.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, PDP, Benue South, reflected on the lessons of Ubah’s death, saying: *”He lived his life for others. That is why the rest of us are in mourning. It’s not how far you live on this earth but how well.”*
The deceased’s bosom friend and colleague, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, APC, Abia North, narrated his last moments with Ubah, describing him as a “realistic man.” An emotional Kalu recounted how he and other colleagues, who sat on the same row with Ubah, had concluded arrangements to relocate to Anambra to support the deceased’s governorship ambition.
Other Senators, including Osita Izunaso, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Ireti Kingibe, highlighted Ubah’s commitment to his family, political sagacity, and selfless nature. They described him as a man who prioritised others, often to his own disadvantage.
Vice President Shettima shared how Ubah, during his time in the 9th Senate, donated ₦50 million to support victims of terrorism attacks in Borno Central, requesting that his gesture not be publicised.
In closing, Senators urged the chamber to celebrate Ubah’s life and lasting legacies. A plea was made by Senator Ali Ndume, Borno South, for Ubah’s wife to replace him in the Senate, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, APC, Ondo South, emphasised the importance of honouring his achievements.