Ali Ndume, the lawmaker representing Borno South, has appealed to the Senate to allow the widow of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to replace him as the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District, News About Nigeria reports.
The Senator made the appeal at the Valedictory session held on Tuesday in honor of Ubah.
Backing his appeal, Ndume noted that it is to preserve Ubah’s legacy and aspirations through his family.
He further stated that replacing the late Senator with his wife will ensure the smooth continuity of his contributions to the Senate and his constituency.
Ndume also stated that it is not uncommon in the Nigerian Senate, as there have been cases where families replaced their loved ones in the Senate.
He said, “What I want to appeal to you, Mr. President, is that we keep the spirit and aspirations of Ifeanyi alive. 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 further noted that Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and Senator Ede Dafinone are also in the Senate because they are following in their fathers’ footsteps and representing their family legacies.
“Abiru’s father was a great senator in 1979. Right here is Yar’Adua. Everybody knows Yar’Adua (Katsina Central Senator). Senator (Iyabo) Obasanjo, if you remember, is the daughter of General Obasanjo. Sitting in front of me is Dafinone, whose father was a great senator.
“Ubah’s 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 honor for the Anambra South Senatorial District,” he added.
The Senate has yet to make a decision on the appeal.
