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Tag: Ifeanyi Ubah

  • Peter Obi mourns ‘younger brother’ Ifeanyi Ubah

    Peter Obi mourns ‘younger brother’ Ifeanyi Ubah

    Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed sorrow and grief at the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who he described as his younger brother.

    Ubah represented Anambra South.and the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil.

    The late lawmaker, who was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was 53 

    Obi said in a tribute on X.com on Saturday that he had a nice conversation with Ubah only last week during Chief Pius Onwuzo’s funeral in Nnewi, Anambra State.

    Despite their divergent political views, Obi commended Ubah for his charitable work with the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, which has significantly improved the lives of the underprivileged by implementing programs for healthcare, education, and poverty reduction.

    He wrote: “I received a rude shock this morning, the news of the death of my dear younger brother, and Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. We were all together on July 12, at the burial of Chief Pius Onwuzo in Nnewi, Anambra State.

    Read Also: FG replies Peter Obi, denies correlation between Harvard Business School, Nigeria’s image

    “Senator Ubah personally welcomed me at the burial and requested that I visit his house for lunch, to which I pleaded with him to reschedule to another date as I already had several engagements for the day.

    “Similarly, despite party differences, I commended him for his contributions to a better humanity through his Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, via which he cared for the less privileged in society, by investing in their education, and health and pulling people out of poverty.

    “I urged him to continue in that direction. May God Almighty who called him home, at this time, forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest, and grant his family, the entire Anambra South Senatorial District; Anambra State; Nigeria; and all of us, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. God Almighty protect and bless his family always.”

  • Ifeanyi Ubah: We are still waiting for confirmation from family – Kinsmen, APC

    Ifeanyi Ubah: We are still waiting for confirmation from family – Kinsmen, APC

    The kinsmen and the All Progressives Congress (APC) party stalwart, to Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah say that they are waiting for his family to confirm about his death before they could comment.

    An APC Stalwart, who pleaded anonymity while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nnewi on Saturday that Senator Ubah died in his hotel room in London in the early hours of Saturday.

    The source noted that the party members and the people of Anambra would have to wait for an official statement from a prominent member of his family before they could comment on his demise.

    According to the source, there is a way we do this thing here in Anambra; traditionally, we have to wait for official statement from a prominent and reliable family member to announce to us about his demise.

    “If any member of the family goes ahead to do otherwise, such family or person will be sanctioned for doing so,” the source said.

    Also speaking, the President General of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Nnewi Town Union in Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra, Dr Maduka Atuenyi, has said that the death of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah remains a “rumor for now”.

    NAN reports that the news of the demise of the Senator who represents Anambra South, and an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Sen. Ubah, was yet to to be confirmed by any family member.

    According to Atuenyi, as the PG of Nzuko-Ora, where Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah hails from, no family member has notified us about his death.

    Read Also: Speaker Abbas, Deputy mourn Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

    “Though it’s all over the internet, as far as I am concerned, it’s still a rumor because I don’t have any concrete evidence, you know how people carry story.

    “As the PG of the town, no concrete person has informed me; it’s just a rumor, the way you saw it on social media is the same way we saw it,” he said.

    An APC stalwart, who pleaded anonymity, revealed that the Senator had an illness that he had silently battled for a while, which probably resulted to his death.

    The source however, said that Ubah’s family was in the best position to reveal to members of the public about the true cause of his death.

    The media aide to Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, Mr Kamel Osigwe, declined to comment about the death of his principal.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu mourns Ifeanyi Ubah

    Tinubu mourns Ifeanyi Ubah

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away on Saturday.

    SUbah, a renowned businessman and politician, represented Anambra South at the National Assembly.

    In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu commiserated with the friends and colleagues of the late Senator, the National Assembly, and the government and people of Anambra State over the sad loss.

    The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed lawmaker as well as strength and comfort to his family during this difficult time.

    “President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the family of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies at 53

    “The deceased was a renowned businessman and politician. He was the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

    “President Tinubu commiserates with the friends and colleagues of the late Senator, the National Assembly, and the government and people of Anambra State over this sad loss.

    “The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed lawmaker, as well as for strength and comfort to his family,” the statement said.

  • Senate mourns Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

    Senate mourns Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

    The Senate has expressed deep regret over the sudden death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (APC – Anambra South) in London.

    A statement by the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC – Ekiti South) reads in part: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the Nigeria Senate announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who until his passing represented the Anambra South Senatorial District.

    “Senator Uba was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents. His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large.

    “Prior to his illustrious career in public service, Senator Ifeanyi Uba distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and philanthropist. As the founder and CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, he made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, fostering economic growth and creating numerous job opportunities.

    “Through the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation, his philanthropic endeavors provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged, profoundly impacting countless lives.

    “Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Senator Uba demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies at 53

    “He was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians.

    “In expressing his condolences, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, remarked, ‘Senator Ifeanyi Uba was a dedicated and passionate legislator whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation. His commitment to his constituents and his work in the Senate were exemplary. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.’

    “The Nigeria Senate extends our deepest sympathies to Senator Uba’s family, friends, and constituents. We also offer our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Anambra State. We pray that they find strength and solace in the legacy of service and dedication he leaves behind.

    “His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his contributions to our nation’s progress will continue to inspire us all.”

  • BREAKING: Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies at 53

    BREAKING: Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies at 53

    Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) is dead.

    The popular oil mogul was said to have passed on in London.

    The Nation reported that Ubah joined the All Progressives Congress, (APC) from Young Progressives Party (YPP)  a few months ago and was billed to seek the party’s ticket ahead of the Anambra governorship election.

    Read Also: Appeal Court reverses sack of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

    The cause of death is still unclear as of the time of filing this report.

    Ubah was elected Senator in 2019 on the platform of YPP and reelected in 2023.

    Details shortly…

  • Who is afraid of Ifeanyi Ubah?

    Who is afraid of Ifeanyi Ubah?

    Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has indeed paid his dues in the political space. Many still wonder how he was able to break the Chris and Andy Uba’s political dynasty which reigned supreme in Anambra South Senatorial district for years.

    While some averred that working well for his people earned him such goodwill, his deep pocket has been felt across board as his developmental strides even before holding an elective position were more than that of those elected before him.

     He is a grassroots politician who knows where the shoe pinches and his constituents, in turn, continue to show him love and support.

     Today in Anambra state, Ubah has recorded his name on the political sand of time. Despite trying to govern Anambra State for years without success, Ubah, through his platform as a senator, has remained a formidable political force in the state that is shaking it to its very foundation.

    As Senator representing Anambra South, he prioritised road rehabilitation, health care provision, security, empowerment of youths and women, educational scholarship and others amenities that has made his people express their vote of confidence in him.

    Despite the good works, there was an attempt on his life years ago, which saw many of his aides killed. This further drew public sympathy and increased his support base.

     In fact, attempts to ensure he backs down on his massive investment in security and end the Monday sit-at-home order in Anambra, has continued to make Ubah wax stronger and achieve what many cannot achieve. Recently, he installed surveillance cameras around Nnewi and other parts to further checkmate  insecurity.

     He further made a loud statement when he announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Young Progressives Party YPP.

    Read Also: Soludo reconciles with Obi of Onitsha, reinstates suspended monarch

    Ubah’s defection, it was alleged, became worrisome for some political heavyweights in Anambra state, most especially Governor Chukwuma Soluda, who is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA.

     A source claimed that Ubah’s defection opens his chances to clinch the APC ticket to contest as Governor of the state which is looking to end the reign of APGA in the state cutting short Soludo’s re-election plan.

     This, sources alleged, has been causing lots of issues in the state which has led to a seeming cold war between the two politicians.

     Recently, Governor Soludo through Tony Collins-Nawbunwanne, his Commissioner of Local government, Chieftaincy and community affairs, suspended Igwe Damian Ezeani of Neni in Anaocha Local Government for conferring a traditional title on Senator Ubah as the Igwe didn’t seek clearance from the ministry before issuing such traditional title. This development has also caused Igwe Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local Government Area and Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu of Ojoto in the Idemili South Local Government Area to withdraw the traditional title they conferred on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

     In a response to the issue on a radio program, Senator Ubah faulted Soludo’s suspension of the Igwe claiming that the suspension was issued in a bid to spite him as a political rival. He also averred that his contribution to his community as a sitting senator is more than enough reason for him to be given such a title.

  • Chieftaincy title: Ifeanyi Ubah breaks silence on suspension of Anambra monarch

    Chieftaincy title: Ifeanyi Ubah breaks silence on suspension of Anambra monarch

    The senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Ifeanyi Ubah, has reacted to the suspension of the traditional ruler of Neni, a community in Anaocha Local Government Area.

    A suspension letter by Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, accused HRM Igwe Damian Ezeani of not seeking clearance from the state government before bestowing titles on people, including ‘persons with questionable character.’

    The monarch had, during the Yuletide, conferred on Senator Ubah the title of Odenjinji of Neni, which is similar to the title Soludo also holds in his Isuofia community.

    Reacting, Ubah, said: “The entire game is all about politics. Soludo is frustrated by my rising popularity. I’m not the only person to receive a chieftaincy title. Former Chief of Army Staff Buratai was honoured within the same period; Vice President Kashim Shettima was also honoured; Mr President was honoured in absentia. Why is my own different?”

    Read Also: Ifeanyi Ubah: Common or uncommon defector?

    Uba added: “The governor is frustrated by my acceptance and popularity; he is jittery about the next governorship election, but I leave him to his conscience.”

    Ubah, in October 2023, defected from the Young Progressives Party, YPP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC. 

    He was later received into the party in December, alongside another popular grassroots politician, Senator Uche Ekwunife. 

    This action set off an alarm about a possible alliance between the two to unseat Soludo in the 2025 governorship election.

    This may have sparked some emotions among members of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and the state government.

    Anambra is one of the states that holds off-season elections. Its governorship election would be due in 2025.

  • Ifeanyi Ubah: Common or uncommon defector?

    Ifeanyi Ubah: Common or uncommon defector?

    By Asikason Jonathan

    SIR: Latterly, there was a storm in the Anambra political teacup over Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Uba’s political future. Of all the buzz and burrs about the defection of Sen. Ifeanyi Uba (Anambra South) to APC, the reference to 2025 provokes the biggest eye roll.

    It raises the question: Is the extant occupant of Agu Awka in jitters?

    By Nigerian standards, Sen. Ubah acted true to form and thus it beggars belief why Governor Soludo is uncomfortable about it.

    However, in the gamut of the banters reeled out on the social media spaces by Soludo spin doctors and APGA’s lunatic fringe to caricature or perhaps gaslight Sen. Ubah’s defection, emphasis on APC as a definite no-no in Anambra — was the common denominator. 

    If Ifeanyi Ubah’s only sin is his new party, then he has no problem! “For there is nothing either good or bad,” Shakespeare famously wrote in Hamlet, “but thinking makes it so.” His point is that each experience presents an infinite number of interpretations. And so is Sen. Ubah’s defection.

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    No doubt, in Anambra, an average voter finds APC in a very poor taste and the reasons for that disinclination are not farfetched.  The party in its first test of political power sowed the seed of what has come to be considered in many quarters as the latterday anti-Igbo sentiment – some pundits call it “agenda.” Do you remember Buhari’s infamous 97-5 per cent allocation of values?  This is primarily the problem. It placed Ndigbo in direct opposition to the party and this crystallised in the arrest and continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kalu.

    However, this situation of no love lost between Ndigbo and APC is not cast in Zuma Rock. What Ndigbo demands is inclusion, mutual understanding,  respect and recognition.  No  Igbomam in APC has been able to drum these demands Ubah’s  spectacular performance in the 2023 general elections show that he is not a paperweight politician that can be easily written or pushed off. This explains why many politicians with gubernatorial ambition in the state are losing sleep about his defection.

    While there is no gainsaying about Ifeanyi Ubah being a big asset to APC — however, one question remains disturbing to date – is there anything like APC in Anambra?

    In the last election, one young, vibrant and beloved legislator from one of Nnewi’s constituencies who defected to APC joined the poll with an interesting mantra.  He argued during the electioneering that an election is all about personality and not political parties. But at the end of the day,  he was relegated to also-run by an unseeded candidate – which goes without saying that political parties are as important as personalities.

    The problem of APC in Anambra centered primarily on leadership and sentiment. The story of Any Ubah’s political harakiri in the last gubernatorial election is still fresh in our minds and perhaps an albatross on the shoulder of anybody inclined to take the responsibility of redeeming the party in the state. Nonetheless, a unifying figure like Ifeanyi Ubah has what it takes to sanitize the party brimming with politicians who are more interested in getting their share of the so-called national cake than emplacing the foundation upon which the party can thrive in the state.

    It is not surprising that APGA political stewarts are reading the political map of 2025 in 2023. They are not oblivious of the disenchantment running throughout the streets of Anambra. And to hold on to the reins, they must pull down any threat – real or imagined.

     Ubah should be fast and pragmatic about his future – with regard to 2025. He should start now by uniting the warring camps of Ngige, Uba, and Moghalu. And should invest more in grassroots reorientation campaign.  And with Valentine Ozigbo waiting patiently at the Labour aisle, the 2025 election will be a three-horse race that will give Soludo not much edge.

    Whichever side the pendulum swings, one thing is clear: APC shall not remain the same in Anambra. 

    • Asikason Jonathan, Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State.

  • Why APC must produce Soludo’s successor, by Ubah

    Why APC must produce Soludo’s successor, by Ubah

    Senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Ifeanyi Ubah has expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to produce the next governor of Anambra State.

    He also said the Nnewi community was long overdue for a governor being home to late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Rt Hon Nwafor Orizu, among others who suffered for Ndigbo.

    Speaking on Monday, October 30, during a visit to party zonal leaders at the residence of the APC South East Organizing Secretary, Mr Dozie Ikedife (jnr), Uba who recently dumped his Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the APC, urged Southeasterners to drop the mentality that APC belongs to a particular tribe.

    He said: “I came to see the leadership of the APC in the zone for formal introduction and familiarization following my recent defection from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the APC.

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    “I didn’t come for leadership positions in the party that are already distributed, but to ask for support to ensure that the APC produced the next Governor of Anambra State after Soludo.

    “All I’m appealing for is, if it is possible, for us to work together to achieve our political aim. Ndigbo needs to embrace the national party which is their best bet.

    “Anambra owes Nnewi North the opportunity to produce a Governor. Nnewi is the home of the late Rt Hon Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, an Igbo leader, among others.

    “These people who suffered for the Igbo deserve to be considered to allow the community that produced them to also produce the Governor of Anambra State.

    “Ikedife (jnr) has taken me around to see the leaders of the party in the State. I’m in consultations. I’m a consolidator and a unifier. I said I must come to see you through our leader.

    “Some Igbo had been deceived to believe that the APC is a Hausa or Fulani party. Unfortunately, the majority of those with such a mentality are from Anambra. This is a wrong impression I’ve come to correct.”

    While lamenting the obvious marginalisation of the people of the region, especially in terms of geopolitical zoning, the lawmaker said it would only be wise for Ndigbo to identify with the moving train.

    He said: “A good footballer knows how to score a goal. I saw the benefit of belonging to a national party, and I had to join them for our overall benefit.

    “I left the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to join the APC. Are they not all progressives? The young shall grow and of course, the young have grown. One thing is remaining for us to achieve, and that is Governorship.”

    While welcoming Uba to the party, Ikedife (jnr) described him as a big fish, assuring him of maximum support.

    “Before your entrance into our great party, we had resolved that the Anambra APC must produce the next Governor of the State.

    “It appears we have bought a big player who will bring the winning cup home. We know you are a big fish. We will be all out to canvass for support,” he stated.

  • Ifeanyi Ubah’s chess move

    Ifeanyi Ubah’s chess move

    Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah made the headlines last week when he announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) where he won the Senate seat of Anambra South twice.

    To some, the news came as a shock but to those in the know it’s a move to better the lots of his people after he had consulted widely with his supporters and constituents.

    While many said his move was to help him solve his multi-billion naira case with the EFCC, those close to him disclosed that the issues had long been resolved even before his defection.

    His traducers were schooled by his associates when they narrated that the court just officially made the pronouncement which comes as a coincidence after both the NNPC and Capital Oil had reached an agreement to settle out of court.

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    Those in the know and other political pundits say the move is chess-like which will be a game-changing venture in his political sojourn after building an occultist followership within his district.

    Sources say his move will solidify the ruling party APC in Anambra State where Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is currently governing.

    It is further being speculated that his recent move will put him at an edge to oust Governor Soludo from office in the next gubernatorial election and make Anambra an All Progressives Congress State. The move will give Senator Ubah the needed support in order to mobilize votes in the next election and also make him the leader of the party in the state.