The Nigerian Senate has refuted allegations that it neglected or poorly represented itself at the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who served Anambra South Senatorial District until his death.
In a statement released on Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chair of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, dismissed the claims as baseless media insinuations.
He emphasised that the Senate had duly honoured Ubah, a sitting senator at the time of his death.
“Senator Ubah was given the highest respect possible,” Adaramodu stated. “His seat was adorned with the national flag, marking his contributions to the Senate and the people he served. The Senate has been fully involved since the moment his death was announced.”
Adaramodu highlighted that the chamber dedicated an entire legislative day to pay tribute to Ubah. The valedictory session was attended by 100 senators, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who eulogised the late senator’s impact as a philanthropist, businessman, and politician.
To further underline its commitment, Senate President Godswill Akpabio led a high-powered delegation to Ubah’s Lagos residence, according to Adaramodu.
“Substantial members of the Senate were also in Nnewi on behalf of the Senate and had earlier reached out to the family before the burial,” he added.
Describing the claims as “preposterous,” Adaramodu noted that the Senate’s actions reflected a deep respect for Ubah.
“It is unfortunate that anyone would suggest we failed to honour him simply because we didn’t ‘storm Nnewi’ in a dramatic show-off,” he said.
The Senate also extended its condolences to the people of Anambra and Ubah’s family, asserting its unwavering commitment to upholding the late senator’s legacy.