Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and his deputy, Barau Jibrin, have expressed sadness over the death of Anambra South Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah.
Mr Ubah, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died today in a London hospital after a brief illness.
Until his death he was Chairman of the Senate Oil and Gas Committee.
Trusted legislator
Mr. Akpabio described Mr. Ubah as a hardworking and reliable lawmaker who believed in justice.
The Senate President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said the late Senator would be deeply missed by all members of the 10th Senate.
“He was a hard-working and reliable legislator who believed in fairness, justice and impartiality and was committed to serving his constituents and the nation at large.
“The distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Ubah will be deeply missed by the Senate and the nation. His passing away leaves a void in our midst,” he said.
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Mr. Akpabio expressed his condolences to the family of the lawmaker and the people of Anambra South Senatorial District over the sad incident.
“On behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly, I extend my sincere condolences to his wife, family, loved ones and constituents on this untimely death.
“May his legacy and contributions to our nation be a source of comfort and inspiration to his family, his constituents, his political partners and the people of Anambra State during this difficult time. And may Almighty God rest his sweet soul in peace.”
Patriotic Nigerian
Mr. Jibirin, on his part, described the late Senator as a quintessential patriotic Nigerian, who worked hard to improve the standard of living of the people of his senatorial district and beyond.
The Deputy Senate President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the late senator would be remembered for his commitment to the growth and development of the country.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of my friend, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the people of Anambra South Senatorial District and the entire people of Anambra State on his passing today.
“May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. He was an excellent legislator, business magnate and football administrator, who contributed immensely to addressing the challenges facing our country,” he said.
Shrewd business tycoon
Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele also described the late Ubah as an astute business tycoon with profound influence on younger and future generations.
Mr Bamidele, a senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said the late lawmaker was someone who was passionate about development and liberating the Anambra people from poverty.
“I received the news of the passing away of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah with grief and sadness. Until his death, he was a prominent businessman, founder of the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, CEO of Capital Oil and Gas and most importantly, a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“He was passionate about development and liberating his people from the clutches of poverty and hardship. He was an astute business magnate who exerted a profound influence on younger and future generations.
“He personally shared his political aspirations and plan for the people of Anambra State and the South-East at large. While we were waiting for the realization of his aspirations and plans, God Almighty, the Owner of the Earth and Heaven, took him away.
“For God, our Father, the time is right. For us, we are writhing in pain and sorrow. We cannot question His Creator for calling Him home at a time when He is still seeking greater good for the greater number of His constituents.”
Dedicated public servant
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan also described the late senator as a dedicated public servant who always sought the development and growth of the country.
Mr Lawan, the senator representing Yobe North, said Mr Ubah's commitment to the development of his constituency will be greatly missed.
“Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was not only a distinguished member of the Senate; he was a dedicated public servant whose passion for serving our country was evident in all his endeavours. His commitment to the welfare of his constituents and his advocacy for crucial policies will be sorely missed. Senator Ubah was a champion of progress and unity, who throughout his life tirelessly strived to improve the standard of living of those he represented.
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“As we mourn this enormous loss, we will remember him for his strength, his vision and the positive impact he had on the lives of so many. His legacy will live on forever in the projects he initiated and the principles he stood for.
“To his family, I extend my deepest condolences at this incredibly difficult time. For us in the Senate, his contributions to the legislative process and our nation’s democracy will always be appreciated. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.”
The Southern Senators Forum, chaired by Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), also expressed sadness at the passing away of Mr Ubah.