The Senate, on Tuesday, held a valedictory session to pay tribute to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away on July 26. Representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the 9th and 10th Senate, Ubah was born on September 3, 1971, and served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream.
The casket bearing his remains was placed at the foyer of the White House wing, directly in front of the Senate Chamber. The day’s legislative agenda was dedicated solely to honoring Ubah, with the order paper featuring only one item: *“Valedictory Session.”*
In a show of respect, Senate President Godswill Akpabio wore traditional Isi-Enyi attire with a red cap, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele donned Isi-Agwu attire. Ubah’s Senate seat was adorned with flowers and draped in the colors of the Nigerian flag.
The session opened its doors to non-senators, drawing dignitaries including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former Anambra State Governor Senator Chris Ngige, and Ubah’s widow, Uchenna Ubah. Former Anambra Central Senator Uche Ekwunife and spouses of top Senate officers, including Ekaette Akpabio and Oluyemisi Bamidele, were also in attendance.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, led a solemn delegation of House leaders in a procession around the late senator’s casket.
Vice-President Shettima, in an emotional eulogy, described Ubah as a generous and politically astute leader. Recalling a personal anecdote, he shared how Ubah once donated N50 million anonymously to aid victims of a Boko Haram attack.
“The youngest member of the ninth Senate was also one of its brightest stars. His rebuilding capacity elevated his political journey beyond others,” Shettima remarked.
Senate President Akpabio highlighted Ubah’s contributions, describing him as a “champion of alleviating the sufferings of others.” Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin and other senators also lauded his courage and philanthropic efforts.
The Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, referred to Ubah’s death as “sunset at noon,” emphasizing the transient nature of life. Senator Ali Ndume urged the Senate to support Ubah’s widow as his successor, to ensure continuity in representing Anambra South.
The session concluded with a minute’s silence and a procession by senators past the casket. The Senate resolved to send a powerful delegation to further honor Ubah’s legacy.
