In a heartfelt appeal, Senator Ali Ndume has called on his colleagues in the upper chamber to support the widow of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to replace her husband in the Senate.
Mr. Ndume made this plea during a valedictory session held on Tuesday in honour of the late senator, who passed away in July.
The session, filled with emotions, paid tribute to Mr. Ubah’s contributions to the Senate and his legacy as a public servant.
Mr. Ubah, who represented the Anambra South Senatorial District, died at the age of 52 after a brief illness.
He was receiving treatment at a London hospital when he passed away.
His untimely death shocked the nation, especially as he had recently switched parties from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The late senator had also declared his intention to contest the Anambra State governorship election in 2025.
During his tenure, Mr. Ubah served as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, a position critical to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In the wake of his death, Senator Kawu Sumaila from Kano South has been appointed to oversee the committee.
However, Mr. Ndume believes that the legacy of the late senator should be preserved through his widow.
“It is not about politics; it is about continuing his dreams and aspirations,” Mr. Ndume said passionately.
The Borno South senator reminded his colleagues of similar instances where the spouses or relatives of late politicians took up their positions.
He cited examples such as Margery Okadigbo, wife of the late Senate President Chuba Okadigbo, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of Nigeria’s current president.
“It happened before. Chuba Okadigbo was a great politician. When he died, years after, his wife, Margery, came to the Senate,” Mr. Ndume recounted.
He also mentioned other prominent figures whose family ties influenced their political careers.
“Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, if you remember, is the daughter of General Obasanjo. Abiru’s father was a senator in 1979. Senator Yar’Adua is a member here because of the legacy of the Yar’Adua family,” he explained.
According to Mr. Ndume, allowing Mr. Ubah’s wife to succeed him would honor his memory and ensure his dreams for Anambra South remain alive.
“Let us keep the spirit and aspirations of Ifeanyi alive,” Mr. Ndume urged.
He described the late senator’s widow as a capable and dignified individual who could represent the people of Anambra South effectively.
“Fortunately, his wife is a wonderful woman, around 50 years old. She can carry on the legacy of her husband,” he added.
The senator emphasized the importance of continuity, arguing that such a gesture would not only support the family but also inspire confidence in the electorate.
The late Mr. Ubah’s journey in the Senate was marked by his dedication to the welfare of his constituents and his active role in legislative matters.
His defection to the APC just months before his death had positioned him as a key player in the party’s plans for Anambra State.
During the session, senators shared glowing tributes about Mr. Ubah’s humility, hard work, and vision for a better Nigeria.
Many agreed that his death left a void that would be difficult to fill.
However, some have raised concerns about the proposal to have his widow step into his shoes.
Critics argue that legislative roles should not be treated as hereditary positions but rather as opportunities for the most qualified candidates.
Supporters of Mr. Ndume’s call, however, believe that continuity in representation can help preserve the late senator’s initiatives and provide stability for his constituents.
