During a valedictory session in the Senate held on Tuesday to honor the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the lawmaker representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, made an impassioned appeal for Ubah’s widow, Uchenna, to replace him as the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District.
Ndume urged his colleagues and the Senate leadership to support this move, emphasizing the need to preserve the legacy and aspirations of the late senator through his family.
In his remarks, Ndume highlighted the importance of continuity and maintaining the late senator’s vision for his constituency. He called on the Senate President and his colleagues to consider the historical precedents where family members have succeeded deceased lawmakers to carry forward their work and legacy.
“What I want to appeal to you, Mr. President, is that we keep the spirit and aspirations of Ifeanyi alive,” Ndume stated. He went on to cite several examples where similar actions had been taken in Nigerian politics. He referenced Margery Okadigbo, the wife of the late Chuba Okadigbo, who succeeded her husband in the Senate after his passing. Ndume also mentioned the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who benefitted from the legacy of her husband, former Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during her time in the Senate.
Ndume further pointed out that this practice was not uncommon in Nigerian political history. He cited other notable examples, including Senator Tokunbo Abiru, who followed in the footsteps of his father, a senator in 1979; Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who continues the political legacy of the Yar’Adua family; Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, who represented the Obasanjo family in the Senate; and Senator Ede Dafinone, who succeeded his father in public service.
In a bid to bolster his argument, Ndume lauded Uchenna Ubah, the late senator’s widow, describing her as a capable and supportive partner during her husband’s lifetime. He highlighted her age, which he placed at around 50, as an advantage, arguing that she had the strength and experience to take on the responsibility.
“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,” Ndume said. “This will ensure continuity and honor for the Anambra South Senatorial District.”
The session also witnessed the presence of Uchenna Ubah in the Senate chamber, where she joined other dignitaries to pay respects to her late husband.
NewdayReporters observed that her attendance underscored the emotional and symbolic significance of Ndume’s appeal.
