The lawmaker representing Borno South in the national assembly, Senator Ali Ndume has called on the Senate to consider the widow of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as his replacement for the Anambra South Senatorial District seat.
He made the request during a Valedictory session on Tuesday, held in honor of the late senator.
Ndume stressed the relevance of preserving Senator Ubah’s legacy and aspirations by entrusting his family with the responsibility of continuing his work.
According to Ndume, such a decision would not only honor Ubah’s contributions to the Senate but also ensure the continuity of his vision for the constituency.
While drawing on historical precedents, the lawmaker pinpointed instances where similar actions were taken to maintain stability and respect the sacrifices of late lawmakers.
He urged his colleagues to support this move as a tribute to the late senator’s enduring impact on the Senate and his constituents.
“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.
“Similarly, our First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, served in this chamber, largely supported by the goodwill of Lagosians and the legacy of her husband, who was a former governor.”
Ndume also referenced other examples, including Senator Tokunbo Abiru, whose father served as a senator in 1979, and Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who carries on the political legacy of the Yar’Adua family.
He highlighted that Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and Senator Ede Dafinone also followed in their fathers’ footsteps, representing their family legacies in the Senate.
“His wife, fortunately, is around 50 years old and has been a wonderful support system to him.
“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 honour for the Anambra South Senatorial District”, Ndume said.
