Expressions of shock, empathy and sadness have continued to pour in like water from a broken dame ever since news of the sudden demise of Senator Ifeanyi Uba hit the internet and the wire services. Senator Ubah died in London, United Kingdom yesterday, at the age of 52 years.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, condoled with the family of the late Senator, a renowned businessman and politician, who until his death represented the Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
President Tinubu while commiserating with the friends and colleagues of the late Senator, the National Assembly, the government and people of Anambra State over the sad loss, prayed God to give the bereaved family strength and comfort his wife, children and siblings.
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, in his reaction said that Ubah’s death was shocking and devastating even as he recalled his last discussion with the Senator early this month, and how he showed eagerness to serve humanity.
“I received a rude shock, this morning, the news of the death of my dear younger brother, and Senator Representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
“We were all together on July 12, at the burial of Chief Pius Onwuzo in Nnewi, Anambra State. Senator Ubah personally welcomed me at the burial and requested that I visit his house for lunch, to which I pleaded with him to reschedule to another date, as I already had several engagements for the day.
‘During our discussions on the state of the nation, he told me that he now understands my commitment to the progress of humanity and that he aligns with it. He assured me that, despite our party differences, we would work together as a family, in serving our people.
“Similarly, despite party differences, I commended him for his contributions to a better humanity through his Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, he cared for the less privileged in society, by investing in their education, and hand-health and pulling people out of poverty. I urged him to continue in that direction.
“I pray God Almighty to grant his family, the entire Anambra South Senatorial District; Anambra State; Nigeria; and all of us, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss.”
International businessman and Senate Committee Chairman on Privatization and Mobilization, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in his condolence message equally described Ubah’s death as a huge shock and loss to Nigeria as a whole.
The former governor, while extolling the virtues of the deceased, stressed that the chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a patriotic and detribalized Nigerian with passion for a prosperous and better Nigeria.
Applauding the worthy legacies of the late businessman, Kalu admonished family members, friends and associates of the deceased to sustain his good deeds, noting that the late senator contributed immensely to the economic, social and political development of Nigeria.
In his tribute, the Abia North representative, commiserated with the people and government of Anambra state adding that the late business mogul was a notable figure beyond politics and business.
He said: “My heart goes out to Ubah’s family, Ndi Nnewi, Anambra South constituents, the good people of Anambra State, the government of Anambra state and my colleagues in the Senate for the loss of our dearest friend and brother, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. It’s a lot to deal with the shock of the news and pain of the loss. His death is a very big loss to Nigeria.
“The deceased played various roles in nation building as a businessman, philanthropist, politician and publisher. The late senator was dogged, ebullient, humble, consistent and full of energy.
“His invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria are worthy of commendation and emulation. The late business mogul, no doubt, will forever be remembered for his good legacies.”
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, expressed shock and sadness over the death of Ubah, describing it as sunset at noon.
Reacting to the death at the weekend, Mbah recalled the late Senator’s legislative brilliance in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, regretting his death at a time his ideas and humanitarian services to his constituents were most needed, describing it as a huge loss to the nation as a whole, and Ndigbo in particular.
“A young and ebullient leader, he had a sprawling and promising future ahead of him, which has now been cut short by the cold hands of death.
“Senator Ubah was committed to the Igbo cause and passionate about his service to the nation as a lawmaker. He was courageous at the floor of the Senate, intensive in his legislative advocacies, and sponsored quite a number of brilliant bills and motions that impacted the nation and its economy very positively.
“He was a true representative of his people, and very committed to addressing issues affecting them both in his official and personal capacities. He will be remembered for his philanthropy and various audacious efforts to better the welfare of his people
“My heart goes out to his family, the Government and people of Anambra State, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ndigbo, and the nation in general,” the governor stated.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu also described Ubah’s death as “shocking and a great loss to the country, his home State of Anambra and Lagos, where he deceased established most of his businesses.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that Ubah contributed his quota towards nation-building as representative of his people in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.
Similarly, Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo expressed his “profound shock and grief” over Ubah death, and described him as a vibrant businessman and politician. In his condolence remark, Soludo “lamented that the untimely death of Senator Uba came as a sorely regrettable loss to Anambra South and Anambra State as a whole, at this difficult time that Ndigbo and Nigeria just lost another patriot in Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.”
He added Ubah was a prominent son of Anambra State and an outstanding Nigerian whose impact on the polity and business sphere was quite significant.
“As the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, and the CEO of Capital Oil, his contributions to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria were also quite commendable. Besides, Senator Uba was a magnanimous philanthropist whose generosity touched countless lives as an employer of labour and a businessman of remarkable vision and acumen,” Soludo stated.
The Red Chamber of the National Assembly, where Ubah represented Anambra South Senatorial Zone, in a statement by Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, described him as “an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents. His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large.
“Prior to his illustrious career in public service, Senator Ifeanyi Uba distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and philanthropist. As the founder and CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, he made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, fostering economic growth and creating numerous job opportunities. Through the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation, his philanthropic endeavours provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged, profoundly impacting countless lives.
“Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Senator Uba demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole. He was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
In expressing his condolences, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, remarked: “Senator Ifeanyi Uba was a dedicated and passionate legislator whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation. His commitment to his constituents and his work in the Senate were exemplary. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
On his part, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the late Anambra politician was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence, who worked hard to enhance the standard of living of the people of his senatorial district and beyond.
He said the late lawmaker would be remembered for his commitment to the Nigerian project through his various contributions at the Senate, sport and the business community.
In his reaction, former chairman of Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke recalled he was with Ubah last week in Abuja in a meeting of Anambra Public Officers and Elders Forum, which he said the Senator agreed to host.
He said they all were in the meeting from 5:00pm to 11:00pm and agreed that they would not discuss politics.
“But he went ahead to tell us about his plans for Anambra State but the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party members in our meeting objected to topics on politics. I drew the attention of the member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency who was there with us and reminded him that he assured us that there won’t be discussions on politics.
“But I quickly told them that there is nowhere you will see a politician and he will not discuss politics otherwise what else shall he talk about. Do you know how I ended it? I said, ‘no politics is politics and everybody burst into laughter.’ And we continued, “Chief Okeke said.
He said he only woke up this morning (yesterday) to hear the shocking news of Ubah’s death. He said it was most unexpected and very tragic.
“Ubah was a formidable force in matters of security in Anambra state especially in Anambra South and Nnewi in particular as well as the surroundings.
“He was very much active in the issues of security where he invested so heavily, doing a marvelous job. It’s very unfortunate,” he added.
However, as at the time of filing this report, the Crown Prince of Nnewi, Obi Orizu said he heard the news like every other person and could not confirm it to Our Correspondent.
The President General of Nzuko-Ora (Nnewi Town Union), Dr Atuenyi Maduka also said the community was yet to confirm the death.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Alhassan Ado Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, said the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil was a patriotic Nigerian who promoted unity, progress and development of the country throughout his lifetime.
In a statement he signed and issued in Abuja, Doguwa condoled the immediate family of the lawmaker, the people of Anambra South, the Senate and all those the late business mogul left behind.
Doguwa, the leader of the Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives, said the late chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) would be missed not only in the country’s political arena but all spheres, especially in the business community and football arena.
“With profound sadness, I mourn the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, a visionary leader, astute businessman, and dedicated public servant. His untimely departure leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones, colleagues, and the nation at large.
“ As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Ubah demonstrated unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. His contributions to the petroleum sector and beyond will be deeply missed. As a businessman, he inspired countless entrepreneurs with his innovative spirit and resilience. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations. The people of the South East has lost a gem, Nigeria has lost a true leader, but his legacy will endure,” Doguwa, the Majority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives said.
Credit: The Sun