Shettima, Akpabio lead tribute for late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

Vice President Kashim Shettima joined members of the Senate on Tuesday to pay respects to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, lauding him for his unique ability to bridge political and ethnic divides.

The tribute came during a valedictory session held at the Senate Chambers, as Ubah’s remains lay in state at the White House Wing of the National Assembly complex. Speaking with deep reverence, Shettima praised the late senator’s dedication to unity and his efforts in fostering collaboration among diverse groups.

In a statement issued by senior special assistant to the president on media and communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the free spirit of the late lawmaker who passed on earlier in the year, broke down political and ethnic barriers.

Reading his tribute during a valedictory session on Tuesday, the Vice President described the late Senator Ubah as “the youngest member of the 9th Senate and one of its brightest stars, whose age belied his political dexterity and grassroots affiliation.

“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 conquers when the lord called him home,” Senator Shettima noted.

Recalling one of his encounters with the late Anambra-born Senator, while serving as Governor of Borno State, the VP recalled that Senator Ubah’s generosity “knew no bounds and his free spirit broke down political and ethnic barriers.”

While condoling the family, friends and associates of the late lawmaker, the Vice President reminded the gathering that “death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck,” adding that “we are travellers on our journeys home, from God to God.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio announced that the day had been set aside to honour the life and time of Senator Ubah, drawing the attention of Senators to their departed colleague’s seats adorned with the Nigerian flag and four symbolic candles as a mark of respect.

Senator Akpabio described the late businessman from Otolo, Nnewi North, Anambra State as a visionary leader with extraordinary empathy for all and a champion for economic empowerment and community development.

The Senate President said the death of Senator Ubah has created a huge deficit in the political terrain of the country, regretting that the vacuum created will be difficult to fill.

Senators took turns during the valedictory session to pay tributes to their departed colleague, praying to God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.