The Senate and Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, showered praises on the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (APC, Anambra South) for his legacy of selfless service to humanity.
 
Shettima said the free spirit of the lawmaker, who died on July 26, 2024, broke down political and ethnic barriers. However, Sen Mohammed Ndume (APC, Borno South) appealed to the Senate to allow Ubah’s widow to replace him as Anambra South senator.
 
The Red Chamber also resolved to send a delegation to condole with the bereaved family, the government and the people of Anambra for the great loss. It also resolved to immortalise Ubah, by naming one of the Senate halls after him.
 
It, thereafter, observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased. Before his death, Ubah dumped the Young Progressive Party (YPP), on whose back he rode to the Senate, for the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream). 
 
His body lay in state throughout the the Senate’s valedictory session. Senate Leader, Michael Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), upon commencement of plenary, moved a motion that the Senate paid tributes to the late Ubah, whose widow, children, close relatives and friends attended the session.
 
Ubah’s former seat in the chamber was decked with a Nigerian flag and flower on top with candles placed on his desk. Shettima, in his eulogy, stated: “The last time I met my brother, Sen Ifeanyi Ubah, was when (Sen Godswill Akpabio) came with him along with Bamidele and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to condole with me over the loss of my mother-in-law.
 
“The youngest member of the ninth Senate was also one of its brightest stars. His age belied his political dexterity and grassroots affiliation. His generosity knows no bounds. There was a time when Boko Haram viciously attacked a community in Borno, and Ubah reached out to me. He sent N50 million to my account and said please I do not want this donation to be publicised. Ubah was a good man.”
 
Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who noted that the Chamber was in deep mourning, said: “He is a big loss to us. Ubah was the epitome of courage; always determined and focused on his goals. He came into the Senate in 2019 on the platform YPP; he eventually the leader of the YPP caucus in the Senate. He became a power broker in the Senate and spent his life for his people. He was a philanthropist to the core.”
 
The Minority Leader, Abba Moro, described the Ubah’s passing as a sad day for the 10th Senate. Senators Tokunbo Abiru, Adams Oshiomhole, Orji Uzor Kalu, Osita Ngwu, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sani Musa, Osita Izunaso, Aminu Tambuwal, Ireti Kingibe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Yahaya Abdullahi and Ndume all contributed during the session.

APPEALING to the valedictory session for the late senator, Ndume emphasised the importance of preserving Ubah’s legacy and aspirations through his family. He said, “What I want to appeal to you, Mr (Senate) President, is that we keep the spirit and aspirations of Ifeanyi alive. When Chuba Okadigbo, a great politician, passed on, his wife, Margery, joined the Senate and carried on his legacy.
  
Ndume referenced Senator Tokunbo Abiru, whose father served as a senator in 1979, and Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who carries on the political legacy of the Yar’Adua family, among others. He added, “His wife, fortunately, is around 50 years old and has been a wonderful support system to him.”