During a valedictory session held on Tuesday to honor the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South appealed to the Senate to allow Ubah’s widow, Uchenna, to represent Anambra South Senatorial District in the Senate. Ndume emphasized the importance of preserving the late senator’s legacy and ensuring continuity for his constituency.
Ndume urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his colleagues to support the proposal, citing historical precedents where family members of deceased politicians carried on their legacies in the legislature.
“What I want to appeal to you, Mr. President, is that we keep the spirit and aspirations of Ifeanyi alive,” Ndume said. “This has happened before. When Chuba Okadigbo, a great politician, passed away, his wife, Margery, joined the Senate and carried on his legacy.”
He referenced other examples of political families represented in the Senate, including Senator Tokunbo Abiru, whose father served in 1979, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua of the Yar’Adua family, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and Senator Ede Dafinone, who followed in their fathers’ footsteps.
Ndume highlighted the capabilities of Uchenna Ubah, describing her as a supportive figure to her late husband and a capable individual. “His wife, fortunately, is around 50 years old and has been a wonderful support system to him,” Ndume noted. He argued that her appointment would honor her late husband’s contributions while ensuring continuity for Anambra South.
The late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s widow, Uchenna, was present in the Senate Chamber during the session, which paid tribute to her husband’s life and service. Ndume’s appeal drew parallels with Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who served in the Senate, largely buoyed by the goodwill of Lagosians and the legacy of her husband, former Governor Bola Tinubu.
“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. This will ensure continuity and honor for the Anambra South Senatorial District,” Ndume concluded.
