President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, recalled his immediate reaction upon receiving the news of the sudden death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South, over a fortnight ago, saying, “I never thought Ubah would die in next 40 years.”
Akpabio made this statement when he led some of his colleagues on a condolence visit to the widow of the late lawmaker, Uchenna, at his Lagos residence.
A statement from his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted him as saying, “I was jolted when I received the news of the death of a very dedicated and patriotic colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
When Senator Mpigi called me to ask me to speak with you, I had no idea it was about Senator Ubah’s death. I was expecting something else and even asked to speak with him, not realizing it was about his demise.
“If you recall, I didn’t finish the conversation with you. I threw away the phone because of the shock. We never thought Senator Ubah would pass away in the next 40 years, but who are we to question God?”
According to Akpabio, “Senator Ubah was one of the pillars of the 10th Senate. I also apologize for not getting back to you after that call ended abruptly. I was so devastated and traumatized by the news.
“We learned of your arrival in the country two days ago, so we decided to come and condole with you, the children, and other members of the family.”
To the children, Akpabio said, “Your father brought you into the world and entrusted you to God. You need to keep the memories of your late father alive. Death can happen to anyone, but my prayer is that none of us should have to bury our children. Be proud that you are alive to bury your father and not the other way around.
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“On behalf of the 10th Senate, to which your late father and husband belonged, we console you all. We can’t question God; we can only say it is His will.
We would not have wished this for any of our colleagues or anyone else. We will support you all the way to give him a befitting burial. He left many legacies. May his soul rest in peace.”
In his response, on behalf of the family, Prince Chidi Orizu (Capt) thanked the President of the Senate and his entourage for taking the time to visit. He promised to keep the Senate and its leadership informed about the burial plans.
Accompanying Akpabio were Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu, Senators Saliu Mustapha, Sunday Karimi, and Adetokunbo Abiru.