By Uche Nworah Ph.D
The night of tributes organized in honour of late Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Ubah, the Senator representing Anambra South on Monday, 18th November 2024 at the NAF Centre, Abuja, was graced by dignitaries from different walks of life. The event had in attendance an array of very important political and business leaders including former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who spoke about Late Ubah’s dogged efforts with his Transformation Agenda of Nigeria (TAN) initiative to get him re-elected in 2015.
The solemn event witnessed speeches in honour of the late politician from family, friends, associates, and politicians. The night shone brightly as the stars aligned for late Senator Ubah as people testified of his kind nature, doggedness, business acumen, and political dexterity.
Former Senator, Minister, and Governor of Anambra state Chris Ngige was in his usual funny elements as he recounted his political engagements with the late Ubah. He charged the Senate and Anambra state government to immortalize the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Chairman of Airpeace Airlines Allen Onyema said that the late Senator Ubah was a very compassionate man and often empathized with him over the challenges they faced as airline operators in Nigeria. He said that he regretted not taking the late Senator up on his offer. Late Senator Ubah had informed him that he had some idle funds which he wanted to offer to him to support his business but he declined. He hoped that whoever the Senator finally gave the idle funds to would be truthful to return same to the Ubah family.
Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines Prof. Obiora Okonkwo recounted how Senator Ifeanyi Ubah supported the electoral campaign of Senator Chris Ngige at a time he was the Chief Financier. His remark that Senator Ngige never mentioned the financial support of Senator Ubah to him at the time drew laughter from the crowd.
Several other personalities gave their tributes including Chief Vin Onyeka, DG of Ifeanyi Ubah Campaign Organisation, Dozie Ikedife, Chief Olisa Metu, and Senator Uche Ekwunife (she was physically present but her tribute was pre-recorded and screened alongside those of some others in a special documentary). Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, and a few others also gave tributes.
Former Governor of Imo state and Senator, Owelle Rochas Okorocha was at his eloquent best. His speech resonated with the audience made up mainly of Igbo people when he pleaded with the Senate President, Obong Godswill Akpabio who was in attendance with a battalion of Senators. Owelle Rochas before pleading with Senator Akpabio to use his good offices to prevail on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from detention, drew laughter from the audience when he joked that he had not died before and does not intend to die anytime soon, obviously referring to recent viral rumours of his demise. Owelle regretted what MNK’s continued incarceration had caused in Igboland with the killings, kidnappings, agitations, and forced sit-at-home orders. He said that this would help to restore peace in Igboland and Igbo people can joyfully return home to their homeland. On a lighter note, Owelle Okorocha reminded Senator Akpabio that he is married to an Igbo woman and that he is risking his wife being recalled back to Igboland if he doesn’t accede to the request.
Senator Akpabio took the request in good spirits when it was his turn to speak. He praised Ndigbo for their leadership and enterprise in Nigeria. He said that it was only Ndigbo that would go to other people’s land and invest, helping to develop the place. He recalled how as Governor of Akwa Ibom state Senator Ubah had invited him to his tank farm located at Apapa, Lagos. He assured that he would duly deliver the message to Mr President and would also visit Owelle Okorocha at home once he does that as he wouldn’t want to risk having Ndigbo recall his wife whom he showered praises for her support. A resounding applause followed his speech.
As the night wore on with other activities, what was on everyone’s mind was the uniqueness of the Abuja night of tributes and how through it, from the testimonies of many people, late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is now a beacon and symbol of peace, unity, and development for Ndigbo.
