Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday joined his former colleagues at the Senate in paying glowing tributes to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, saying the free spirit of the late lawmaker who passed on earlier in the year, broke down political and ethnic barriers.
VP Shettima’s tributes followed the valedictory session held at the Senate Chambers in honour of the late Senator whilst his remains were laid at the foyer of the White House Wing of the Chambers.
Reading his tribute, 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 conquests when the lord called him home.”
Generosity
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 travelers on our journeys home, from God to God.”
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Senate, 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 seat 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.
Senator Akpabio 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 his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Dominica Nwabufo
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