Vice President Kashim Shettima joined senators at a valedictory session on Tuesday to honor the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away earlier this year. Speaking at the Senate Chambers, Shettima praised Ubah as a unifying figure whose generosity and political acumen transcended ethnic and political divides.
Describing Ubah as “the youngest member of the 9th Senate and one of its brightest stars,” Shettima highlighted the late senator’s grassroots connections and bridge-building abilities. “His bridge-building capacity elevated his political journey beyond older and more established giants in the arena, and he was easily on his way to bigger conquests when the Lord called him home,” the Vice President said.
Shettima also shared a personal anecdote about Ubah’s generosity during his tenure as Governor of Borno State, remarking that the senator’s “free spirit broke down political and ethnic barriers.” He extended condolences to Ubah’s family and associates, reflecting on the inevitability of death as “an inevitable destiny that hangs on everyone’s neck.”
The valedictory session, held at the Senate Chambers, saw Ubah’s remains laid in the foyer of the White House Wing, with his seat adorned with the Nigerian flag and four symbolic candles as a mark of respect.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio led the session, describing Ubah as a visionary leader from Otolo, Nnewi North, Anambra State, known for his extraordinary empathy and dedication to economic empowerment and community development. “The death of Senator Ubah has created a huge deficit in the political terrain of the country, and the vacuum created will be difficult to fill,” Akpabio said.
Senators took turns to pay tributes to their late colleague, celebrating his achievements and praying for strength for his family during this time of loss. The ceremony highlighted the significant contributions of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the Senate and the nation at large.
