Mohammed Bello Adoke, a former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), says the death of Ifeanyi Ubah, the senator representing Anambra south, is a loss for the country.
Ubah, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, died in London, United Kingdom (UK), on Friday.
In a statement on Sunday, Adoke described Ubah as someone “who prioritised the welfare and economic prosperity of his people in particular and Nigerians in general”.
“His contributions on the floor of the senate, where he served two terms (from 2019 when he was first elected and re-elected in 2023) bear glowing testimony to his belief in the Nigerian project and unwavering commitment and resolve to uplift the masses of this great country from the shackles of poverty, hunger, and disease,” the statement reads.
“Senator Ubah was ebullient and full of life. The news of his demise was therefore a rude shock to Nigerians and has understandably evoked a deep sense of loss from those who had the good fortune of working and interacting closely with him.
“I was introduced to senator Ubah by Chief Gabriel Chukwuma (A.K.A. Gabros), another fine gentleman, sports enthusiast, and businessman of repute. The friendship quickly blossomed to a level that our families became quite close.
“I recall during my travails in exile, he visited me severally. On such visits, he would pray with me and counsel me on the need to have faith in God and eschew bitterness towards my traducers and that at God’s appointed time the travails would end as he was convinced that I was just a victim of political machinations.
“He openly identified with me and provided support at a time I was considered a pariah even by those I regarded as friends, but for reasons of self-preservation and determination to remain in the good books of the political leadership of the country, they considered it expedient to disassociate themselves from me.
“I wish to place on record that in all my official and personal interactions with Senator Ubah, I found him to be passionate about the economic empowerment of his people and the development of our dear country.
“He demonstrated this commitment through his numerous business ventures, especially in the oil and gas sector, undertaking developmental projects in his constituency, and empowering the people.
“It is therefore not surprising that his people kept electing him overwhelmingly to the senate even when he contested on the ticket of a fringe political party such as the Young Progressives Party (YPP) from where he recently decamped to the APC.”
Adoke added that despite Ubah’s enormous wealth and political attainment, “he remained calm, humble, and unassuming.”.
“These are rare qualities that are lacking amongst our political elites today. Nigeria has indeed lost an outstanding advocate for social justice and economic empowerment,” he said.
“I, therefore, join his family, the good people of Anambra south senatorial district, and millions of his well-wishers around the world in praying to the Almighty God for the repose of his gentle soul.”
[TheCable]