Ifeanyi Ubah’s free spirit pulled down political, ethnic barriers, says Shettima
By Kunle Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima today joined his former Senate colleagues in paying glowing tributes to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, describing him as a free spirit whose life transcended political and ethnic divides.
Senator Ubah, who passed away earlier this year, was remembered during a valedictory session held in his honor at the Senate Chambers.
The Vice President, speaking at the event, described the late senator as “the youngest member of the 9th Senate and one of its brightest stars, whose age belied his political dexterity and grassroots connections.”
“His bridge-building capacity elevated his political journey beyond that of older and more established figures, and he was poised for even greater achievements when the Lord called him home,” Shettima said.
Recalling a personal encounter during his tenure as Governor of Borno State, Shettima praised Senator Ubah’s boundless generosity, noting that his “free spirit broke down political and ethnic barriers.”
While offering condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late senator, Shettima reminded the gathering of life’s transient nature.
“Death is an inevitable destiny that hangs over us all,” he said, adding, “We are but travelers on a journey, from God to God.”
Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had announced that the session was set aside to honor the life and legacy of Senator Ubah. Drawing attention to the senator’s seat, adorned with the Nigerian flag and four symbolic candles, Akpabio highlighted the immense loss to the Senate and the nation.
The Senate President described the late businessman from Otolo, Nnewi North, Anambra State, as a visionary leader with extraordinary empathy, a champion of economic empowerment, and a dedicated advocate for community development.
Akpabio lamented the void left by Senator Ubah’s passing, stating that “his death has created a significant deficit in the country’s political landscape, one that will be difficult to fill.”
During the session, senators took turns to pay heartfelt tributes to their late colleague, reflecting on his impact and praying for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
