By Uche Onyeali
Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Ifeanyi Ubah died on Saturday in a London hospital after a failed stomach tuck surgery.
However, sources claim that the senator, who died at the age of 52, passed on in his hotel room as a result of cardiac arrest.
He was said to have travelled to London three days after his death to attend the graduation ceremony of his daughter.
Ubah, who was elected on the platform of Young Progressive Party, YPP, for two terms, later defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, under which he was planning to vie for the governorship seat of Anambra State.
The business mogul and chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, was born on September 3, 1971 and hailed from Otollo-Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
His death came few months after an assassination attempt was made on his life at Nkwo Enugu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area where his convoy was attacked and his SUV riddled with bullets, resulting in the death of some of his aides.
Meanwhile, there had been concerns over the sudden physical change in the appearance of the once chubby senator recently, casting doubt on his health condition as he suddenly became slim.
Many had attributed his death to an unconfirmed tummy tuck operation apparently carried out to reduce his size.
Reacting to the sudden death of the lawmaker, the Senate in a statement said Ubah was an exemplary leader.
A statement signed by the Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, said “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.
“Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Senator Uba demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole. 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 his reaction, President Bola Tinubu condoled with the Ubah family and the Senate over the demise, saying the business tycoon’s death was a “sad loss.”
Tinubu in a condolence message signed by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, commiserated with the friends and colleagues of the senator over his death.
“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 strength and comfort to his family,” the president said.
