While many politicians in Nigeria were finding ways to make money out of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Distinguished Senator, Chief (Dr)Patrick Ifenayi Ubah, saw the era as a time to show love, collaborating with the Lagos State Government to bring palliatives to his Igbo brothers and sisters in Lagos. JOHN SILAS, ANTHONY NWACHUKWU and CYRIACUS NNAJI write.
The Lagos State Government, partnering Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, has reached out to Ndigbo resident in the state with some palliatives to cushion the effects of the Coronavirus-induced economic lockdown.
The items given out on recently included 740x25kg bags of Ijebu garri, 284x50kg bags of rice, as well as cartons of pastas (noddles and spaghetti).
On hand to receive the items were heads of the different Igbo socio-political and cultural organisations in Lagos, on behalf of their groups.
Speaking on the gesture, the representative of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gbenga Oyerinde, commended Ubah for the initiative, stating that he reached out to partner the state out of his humanitarian nature.
According to Oyerinde, who is the Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Central Business District (CBD), Ubah reached out to the governor on behalf of Igbo people who he has at heart.
He explained that the distribution of the palliatives was being improved upon, unlike at the commencement of the lockdown, when it was not so smooth.
Consequently, “the team had to go back to the drawing board,” which saw the distribution going to registered residents, those from 60 years and above, and the use of volunteers to reach all corners of the state.
“Aside these, heads of corporate and non-corporate groups were also given their shares for onward distribution to their constituencies, including the Arewa communities and craftsmen.
“There is also the food kitchen, through which we give out food to the youth to ensure that they are not hungry during this lockdown.”
On his part, Ubah, who represents Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, explained that the palliative was a collective effort with the Lagos Government to help the entire Igbo in Lagos.
Ubah said he made it a point of duty to be physically present, adding: “What we are doing is sharing these items to the different groups from the South-East through their representatives here.”
He rejected the notion that the other National Assembly members from the region were not helping out Igbo people during this crisis, stating that they were also doing their own.
“Every representative of the people knows that after being elected, there will be another time to return to your constituents for re-election,” he said.
Mrs Violet Uchenna Obiora (Olaedo) Woman Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos Branch, on her part stated that the Covid-19 pandemic ravaging the entire world is strange to the entire world and has brought untold hardship to various families. “It locked down people in their houses and hunger is dealing devastating blow on families, especially the less privileged ones, but as it pleased God, He singled out our illustrious son, Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah to bring this palliative so that families would have something to eat. We thank Ifeanyi Ubah and we also thank our landlord, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has shown love to Ndigbo and Ohanaeze, God will continue to empower him.”
Prince Anselem Udoka Echegbu (Orobo) National Coordinator, Igbo Mandate in APC disclosed that Ubah indeed has done what other Igbo politicians could not do, by coming to Lagos and fighting for the right of Ndigbo. “We hear other well meaning Igbo citizens giving millions and trillions outside, but the one you see is the one you talk about. We should give kudos to him because people like him are out to serve. He is the future Tinubu of Igbolaland.
