The family of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has reiterated claims that the Nigerian Senate failed to adequately support and participate in the burial proceedings of the late legislator, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District.

These allegations come amid a public dispute with the Senate over its role in the funeral arrangements.

Recall that the leadership of the Nigerian Senate was visibly absent at the ceremony as they did not send any key delegate or make financial contributions to the event which is against Tradition.

Family’s Allegations Against the Senate

According to Ubah’s family, the Senate leadership, under President Godswill Akpabio, neither set up a committee to liaise with the bereaved family nor provided financial support for the burial logistics. They also criticized the low turnout of senators at the funeral, which reportedly saw only nine out of 109 senators in attendance.

A family source stated, “The claim that 100 senators attended the night of tribute on November 18, 2024, in Abuja is false. Less than 30 senators were present. We challenge the Senate Spokesman to provide video or pictorial evidence to back his claims.”

Senate’s Response

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, had earlier refuted these allegations, emphasizing that the Senate had honored Senator Ubah with a valedictory session attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries.

He added that the Senate had paid its respects by dedicating a legislative day to honor the late senator.

Family Rebuttal and Additional Claims

The family described the Senate’s activities as inadequate and accused the leadership of prioritizing social events over their late colleague’s burial. “On the same day of the funeral in Nnewi, the Senate President and some members attended the wedding of a colleague’s daughter in Lagos,” a source alleged.

“On Saturday, 17th August 2024, the Senate President led a delegation of four Senators – namely Senator Abiru Adetokunbo, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Senator Karimi Steve and Senator Osita Ngwu and attended the wedding of daughter of ranking Senator Victor Umeh, and been that he was in Lagos same day, paid a condolence visit to the family of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in the same Lagos.”

“It is a big lie that 100 Senators attended the night of tribute of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah held on Monday evening, 18th Nov 2024 at NAF event centre Abuja. The Senators that attended the event were not up to 30 in number, despite the fact that the event held in Abuja.”

“Let the Senate Spokesman provide pictorial or video evidence to rebut this open fact instead of lying and deceiving the public that 100 Senators attended the event.”

The family further demanded transparency, urging the Senate to provide evidence of their financial contributions or substantial participation in the burial arrangements.

Context of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s Passing

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed away in July 2024 while in London. His death marked the loss of a notable philanthropist, businessman, and politician.

Call for Clarity

The family has maintained that the Senate’s actions during the burial lacked the respect befitting a serving senator. They continue to demand that the Senate Spokesman present verifiable evidence to counter these claims, ensuring accountability to the public.