The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday, recounted his shock upon hearing of the sudden death of one of the ranking lawmakers in the 10th Senate, Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom, on July 27, 2024.
Akpabio shared his emotional response during a condolence visit to Ubah’s widow, Uchenna Ubah, at their Lagos residence, accompanied by some lawmakers.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said, “I was jolted when I received the news of the death of a very dedicated and patriotic colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
“When Senator Mpigi gave me the phone to talk to you, I had no idea it was to inform me of Senator Ubah’s passing. I was so shocked that I couldn’t even finish our conversation—I simply dropped the phone.
“We never expected this; we thought he would be with us for at least another 40 years. But who are we to question God?”
Akpabio described Senator Ubah as one of the pillars of the 10th Senate and expressed regret for not following up after the initial call, citing the overwhelming devastation he felt at the time. “We learned of your return to the country two days ago, and we decided to come and offer our condolences to you, the children, and the rest of the family,” he added.
Addressing Ubah’s children, Akpabio said, “Your father brought you into this world and entrusted you to God. Keep his memory alive.
“Though death can come to anyone, my prayer is that none of us ever have to bury our children.
“Take pride in being able to bury your father, rather than the other way around.”
On behalf of the 10th Senate, Akpabio offered the family comfort, affirming their support throughout the mourning period and promising to assist in giving Ubah a befitting burial. He also praised the late senator’s enduring legacy.
Responding on behalf of the family, Chidi Orizu thanked the Senate President and his delegation for their visit and assured them that the family would keep the Senate leadership informed about the burial arrangements.
Among those on Akpabio’s entourage were Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu and Senators Saliu Mustapha, Sunday Karimi, and Tokunbo Abiru.