Tributes as Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies in London

BY IHESIULO GRACE & HARUNA SALAMI

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has passed on. The deceased was a well-known politician and businessman. In the National Assembly, he served as the senator for the Anambra South Senatorial District.

President Tinubu expresses his condolences to the late senator’s friends and coworkers, the National Assembly, the Anambra State administration, and the people for their tragic loss.

The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed lawmaker, as well as for strength and comfort to his family.

Meanwhile, the Senate has formally mourned the sudden death of Senator Ifeanyi Uba (Anambra South) who passed away in London.

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In a statement signed by the Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, he expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Anambra Senator.

The statement reads: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the Nigeria Senate announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who until his passing represented the Anambra South Senatorial District.

“Senator Uba was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents”, adding that “his untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large.

“Prior to his illustrious career in public service, Senator Ifeanyi Uba distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and philanthropist. As the founder and CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, he made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, fostering economic growth and creating numerous job opportunities.

“Through the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation, his philanthropic endeavours provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged, profoundly impacting countless lives.

“Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Senator Uba demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole. He was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians.

In expressing his condolences, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, remarked, “Senator Ifeanyi Uba was a dedicated and passionate legislator whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation. His commitment to his constituents and his work in the Senate were exemplary. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him”.

“The Nigeria Senate extends our deepest sympathies to Senator Uba’s family, friends, and constituents. We also offer our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Anambra State. We pray that they find strength and solace in the legacy of service and dedication he leaves behind. His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his contributions to our nation’s progress will continue to inspire us all.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace”, Adaramodu concluded.

In a related development, former governor of Anambra and the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi has also expressed sadness over the demise of Ubah. According to Obi, “I received a rude shock this morning, the news of the death of my dear younger brother, and Senator Representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. We were all together on July 12, at the burial of Mr. Chieloka Ubajekwe in Nnewi, Anambra State.

“Senator Ubah personally welcomed me at the burial and requested that I visit his house for lunch, to which I pleaded with him to reschedule to another date as I already had several engagements for the day.

“During our discussions on the state of the nation, he told me that he now understands my commitment to the progress of “humanity and that he aligns with it. He assured me that, despite our party differences, we would work together as a family, in serving our people.

“Similarly, despite party differences, I commended him for his contributions to a better humanity through his Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, via which he cared for the less privileged in society, by investing in their education, and health and pulling people out of poverty.

“I urged him to continue in that direction. May God Almighty who called him home, at this time, forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest, and grant his family, the entire Anambra South Senatorial District; Anambra State; Nigeria; and all of us, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. God Almighty protect and bless his family always.”

In Enugu and Ebonyi, it has been mourning as well. Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi have expressed sadness and shock over the death of the federal lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Sen Ifeanyi Ubah.

They described Ubah’s death as a huge loss to the nation as a whole, and Ndigbo in particular.

The governors reacted to Uba’s demise in separate interviews in Enugu and Abakaliki respectively say that his death was “sunset at noon”.

Mbah recalled the late Senator’s legislative brilliance in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, regretting his death at a time his ideas and humanitarian services to his constituents were most needed.

“A young and ebullient leader, he had a sprawling and promising future ahead of him, which has now been cut short by the cold hands of death.

“Senator Ubah was committed to the Igbo cause and passionate about his service to the nation as a lawmaker.

“He was courageous at the floor of the Senate, intensive in his legislative advocacies, and sponsored quite a number of brilliant bills and motions that impacted the nation and its economy very positively,” Mbah said.

“He will be remembered for his philanthropy and various audacious efforts to better the welfare of his people

“My heart goes out to his family, the Government and people of Anambra State, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ndigbo, and the nation in general,” he stated.

In his reaction, Gov. Nwifuru of Ebonyi said that the South East and Nigeria have lost a dedicated public servant.

Ubah, who was representing Anambra South in the Senate, died at the age of 52 on Saturday in London, United Kingdom.

The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Dr Monday Uzor, said he was pained by the untimely and tragic death.

Nwifuru described the late lawmaker as ” a dedicated public servant” to the south East and Nigeria at large.

He said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, a dedicated public servant and a champion of the people, especially great people of Anambra state and Igbo Land.

“His untimely death is a tremendous loss to us all. Sen. Ubah was a tireless advocate for the welfare of the citizens, and his contributions to development of Nigeria as a Senator will never be forgotten”.

“His wisdom, expertise, and passion for good governance inspired countless individuals.

“As a serving Senator, he demonstrated unwavering commitment to the well-being of our people, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

“I extend on behalf of the Government and people of Ebonyi State my heartfelt condolences to his family, Anambra South Senatorial District colleagues, and constituents.

“May God grant you the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Sunday Times can confirm that Ifeanyi Ubah’s hometown, Nnewi is not left out in the mournful moments. The home of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah in Anambra was on Saturday unusually quiet as people trickled in to confirm the news of his death.

Those who visited the home of the senator in Umuanuka, Otolo Village in Nnewi met the giant entrance gates into the massive compound locked.

There was heavy security presence around the area.

Some of his staff were seen discussing in groups and lamenting the sad news.

One of the staff, an Nnewi youth, who preferred anonymity, said the community had lost one of its finest sons.

He said Ubah was a backbone to youths in the community because of his empowerment and philanthropic activities.

“His death is still a shock to us. He was our pillar,” he said.

A motorcycle operator who identified himself simply as Obinna, said the death of Ubah was a heavy blow to the community, going by security and peace they had enjoyed for some years.

Obinna said Ubah was able to protect Nnewi from the insecurity in Anambra South by employing, equipping and paying the local vigilance operatives in the area.

“He made life comfortable for us in Nnewi. He took our security as a priority,” he said.