The South East Senate Caucus on Tuesday described the death of Senator Ifeanyi UBA as a devastating blow to the South East delegation to the National Assembly.
This was as Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and other Abians expressed their shock and sadness over the death of the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone and Chairman of Capital Oil Group, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, in faraway London on Saturday morning.
In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, their chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the caucus is still shell-shocked but only coming to terms with the reality of the sad news of Senator Uba’s sudden death.
Abaribe described Sen. Ubah as a very prominent member of the caucus who was so passionate about the issues that concern the South East and her development, adding that death has robbed Anambra State, the South East, and Nigeria of a very vibrant lawmaker, a versatile and focused politician whose footprint on the political terrain within a short time is most noticeable.
“There is no doubt that his political trajectory was not only people-oriented but also for the development of his constituency, Anambra State, the South East, and Nigeria as a whole. It is very unfortunate and sad to see this sunset at dawn.
“The South East Caucus would sorely miss him. We will miss his intelligence, charm, and camaraderie,” Abaribe said.
Similarly, the senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly and Senate Committee Chairman on Privatisation and Mobilisation, Orji Uzor Kalu, described the demise of Dr. Ubah as a huge shock and a loss to Nigeria as a whole.
In a statement he personally made available to PUNCH, 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 the good deeds of Ubah, noting that “the former senator contributed immensely to the economic, social, and political development of Nigeria.”
Sen. Kalu said the late business mogul was a notable figure beyond politics and business, adding, “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 the 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.”
Also in a Press Statement from the office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, signed by Udora Orizu, the Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu, said the death of Sen. Uba is “great loss to the South East and Nigeria in general
Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has expressed shock and sadness over the death of the Senator and described the late lawmaker as a “patriot and philanthropist who made remarkable strides in the parliament, media, sports and petroleum downstream industry”.
Rt. Hon. Kalu recalled Uba’s determination to bring about a change in the fortunes of the people of his zone and the entire nation, noting that Ubah contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Nigeria and, through his company, Capital Oil Nigeria Ltd, football club, Ifeanyi Ubah FC of Nnewi, Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, Authority newspaper and other numerous businesses, provided employment for many Nigerians.
He said the Senator’s death is a great loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria as a whole, stressing that he will be sorely missed, and condoled his immediate family, the All Progressive Congress (APC), People of Nnewi and Anambra State Government over the irreparable loss.
A business friend of Sen. Uba, Hon. Chief Alaezi Onyekwere John of Item, said the news of the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah came as a shock to many this morning, adding, “It is always a sobering moment when we are reminded of the fragility of life and the fact that we are not in control of our own destinies.”.
According to him, “The recent deaths in the southeast zone have made me reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have on this earth.”
“In conclusion, the recent deaths in the southeast zone have prompted me to rethink my own priorities and perspective on life. We are all at the mercy of God, and it is important to live each day with gratitude and humility. May the souls of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and all the departed rest in peace, and may we all strive to make the most of the time we have been given on this earth,” he said.
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