The Nigerian Senate, under the leadership of Godswill Akpabio, has come under fire for allegedly neglecting the family and burial arrangements of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented the Anambra South Senatorial District. Ubah was laid to rest on Friday in his hometown, Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State, following his passing in London on July 27, 2024.
Sources revealed that the Senate leadership did not form a committee to liaise with Ubah’s family or the national burial committee to coordinate arrangements. Reports also claim that no financial contributions were made by the Senate towards the burial preparations, nor was a formal delegation sent to represent the chamber at the burial.
Despite a valedictory session held on November 19, 2024, in Ubah’s honor, critics described the Senate’s actions as superficial, accusing the leadership of abandoning their late colleague.
“The Senate leadership did not contribute a kobo to the burial committee. They failed to send a delegation or even liaise with the family to ensure proper arrangements. This shows a lack of respect for their departed colleague.”
Of the 109 Senators, only nine attended the burial, with seven of them from the South-East region. Notable attendees included Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Senator Tony Nwoye. Only two Senators from outside the South-East—Senator Pam from Plateau and Senator Agadaga from Bayelsa—were present.
No Senators from the North-West, North-East, or South-West geopolitical zones attended the ceremony, raising questions about national solidarity within the legislative body.
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The absence of a Senate delegation and financial support was widely criticized. A source close to the family remarked:
“The Senate leadership discouraged Senators from attending the burial, citing nonexistent security concerns. Even the Senate President’s wife, who leads the Senators’ Wives Forum, failed to send a delegation to console Mrs. Uche Ubah.”
The source added that no Senator spoke at the burial Mass on behalf of the Nigerian Senate, a deviation from established tradition.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many accusing the Senate of hypocrisy and lack of empathy.
“In Christian culture, attending a burial is the ultimate sign of respect. The Senate’s actions expose them as fair-weather friends,” a community member noted.
