Why Ifeanyi Ubah’s widow should be allowed to replace him at Senate – Ndume

Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has called on the Senate to allow the widow of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to assume his position as the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District.

Ndume made this appeal during a valedictory session held on Tuesday to honor the late senator, who passed away in July at the age of 52.

Highlighting the importance of continuity, Ndume urged his colleagues to support the late senator’s wife in preserving Ubah’s “legacy and aspirations” by granting her the opportunity to succeed him.

To bolster his argument, Ndume referenced historical precedents, including the service of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in the National Assembly, which demonstrated the value of preserving legacies in Nigerian politics.

“What I want to appeal to you, Mr President, is that we keep the spirit and aspirations of Ifeanyi alive,” Ndume said.

“This has happened before. When Chuba Okadigbo, a great politician, passed away, his wife, Margery, joined the Senate and carried on his legacy.

“Similarly, our First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, served in this chamber, largely supported by the goodwill of Lagosians and the legacy of her husband, who was a former governor.”

Ndume also pointed to other instances, such as Senator Tokunbo Abiru, whose father was a senator in 1979, and Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who continues the political legacy of the Yar’Adua family.

He noted that Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and Senator Ede Dafinone have also followed their fathers’ paths, representing their family legacies in the Senate.

To strengthen his argument, Ndume stated, “His wife, fortunately, is around 50 years old and has been a wonderful support system to him.

“I appeal to you, Mr. President, and my distinguished colleagues to support the idea of his family having a spiritual representative here in this chamber.

“This will ensure continuity and honor for the Anambra South Senatorial District.”