It was tributes galore in the Senate on Tuesday for late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah who died in July, 2024 while on Holiday in London .
From the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and many serving senators, glowing tributes were paid to the memory of the Senator who represented Anambra South Senatorial District and served as Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), before his death.
Shettima and Senators spoke during a valedictory session organised by the Senate to bid Senator Ubah who passed on on July 26, 2024 farewell.
The casket bearing the remains of the late Anambra South Senator was brought into foyer of the White House Wing of the National Assembly Complex where it laid in state throughout the duration of the Senateโs valedictory session.
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC โ Ekiti Central) upon commencement of plenary moved a motion: โThat the Senate do now pay tributes in honour of late Senator Ubah, Patrick Ifeanyi (Anambra South) (3rd September, 1971 โ 26th July, 2024).โ
The wife of Ubah, her children and close relatives, friends of the deceased and leaders from Anambra including Senator Chris Ngige, some members of the House of Representatives from the South East and other states of the Federation, attended the session.
The wives of Senators including Mrs Barau, Mrs Opeyemi Bamidele and wives of Principal Officers led by the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Nnoma Akpabio also attended the session.
Wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who is currently a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Regina Akume, graced the occasion.
Senator Ubahโs seat in chamber was decked with a Nigerian Flag and flower placed on top with candles placed on his desk.
Shettima in his eulogy said: โThe last time I met my brother, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was when you (Akpabio) came with him along with the Majority Leader, Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele and the beautiful Hadiza Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to condole me over the loss of my mother in-law.
โThe youngest member of the ninth Senate was also one of its brightest stars. His age belied his political dexterity and grassroots affiliation.
โHis generosity knows no bounds. There was a time when the Boko Haram viciously attacked a community in Borno state.
โSenator Ifeanyi Ubah reached out to me. He sent to my account a donation of N50 million and said please I do not want this donation to be publicised. Ifeanyi Ubah was a good man.
โHis rebuilding capacity elevated his political journey beyond others and more established in the arena.
โI want to align myself with the earlier speaker, Osita Izunaso, who quoted John Donne, who said that โin mankind, never send to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.โ
โDeath is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyoneโs neck. We are all travelers on our journeys home. From where? From God to God.
โMy condolences to his family, friends, and political associates. Most especially to you, good folks, who are planning to go on the journey. I will miss my friends. Thank you very much.โ
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said: โWe dedicate this day to his (Ubah) memory and the services he rendered to this great country.
โWe mourn the death of one of the most erudite parliamentarian in Nigeria.