The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at plenary paid glowing tribute to the late Ifeanyi Ubah, who died on July 26, 2024.
Mr Ubah, born on Sept 3, 1971, represented Anambra South Senatorial District in the Ninth and 10th senate.
Until his death, he was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream.
Before the commencement of the valedictory session, the remains of late Ubah were laid in state at the foyer of the Senate chamber.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Mr Ubah’s wife, children and relatives were present at the session.
Also present were the former governor of Anambra state and former Minister of Labour, Sen. Chris Ngige, the Wife of the President of the Senate, Nneoma Akpabio and wives of other lawmakers.
Tribute in honour of Mr Ubah followed a motion by Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) that the Senate pay tributes to the late Ubah.
The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP-Benue).
Thereafter, many Senators took turns to pay tributes that lasted for about three hours.
The Senate, thereafter, observed a minute silence in honour of Ubah.
It resolved to send a delegation to condole his family, the government and the people of Anambra.
It also resolved to immortalise Mr Ubah, by naming one of the Senate halls after him.
Mr Shettima, in his tribute, said the late Ubah’s generosity knew no bounds, describing him as a good man.
He said that Mr Ubah had donated N50 million to his state when it was ravaged by Boko Haram.
Mr Akpabio, in his tribute, condoled the family of Ubah, describing him as an “accomplished businessman and consummate politician”.
He said the late Mr Ubah made a tremendous impact on humanity, saying his demise was a deficit to the nation, especially the political and business terrain.
He said Mr Ubah was a champion among others, a quintessential public servant, a committed advocate for his community and a captain of innovation.
“He is a great loss to Anambra state, Nnewi and Nigeria in general,” Mr Akpabio said.
The Senate President said Mr Ubah‘s death was a personal loss to him, revealing that the deceased was very happy about the establishment of the South-East Development Commission by President Bola Tinubu.
He said that Mr Ubah’s plan was to use the commission to further empower Anambra and the people of South-East, admonishing that Ubah’s legacies should be celebrated.
Deputy President of Senate Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), said Mr Ubah was a “patriotic Nigerian, an epitome of courage and resilience, and a philanthropist that promoted the interest of the Eastern zone by funding so many projects.
Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), described Mr Ubah as a charismatic politician, a leader and one who was at home with the grassroots.
He said Mr Ubah was committed to helping to ensure the realisation of the agenda of APC in Anambra and Nigeria in general, saying that his demise would be greatly missed
