*Holds Mass and Candle Light Procession to brighten a dark world that saw off a great personage
It was a solemn and deep grieving moment for the members of IKEMBA FRONT, the flagship political support structure of Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, as the group held its extraordinary meeting in honour of their departed leader and philanthropist turned politician, Senator Ubah, CON.
The office of the group that is located opposite the state government house, Awka, was filled to the brim as leaders of the group at all levels graced the event adorned in all black attire.
The meeting started with a soul lifting opening prayer by Rev. Sam Ebuka Okoye of the Anglican Diocese, Awka, who in his prayers asked God to comfort the contrite heart as it pleased Him to take away His son, the Distinguished Senator Ubah at a time when his services were most needed.
A symbolic signing of the condolence register was briefly done by the leaders after which the Mass that was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Obiekezie Ifeanyichukwu Cajetan and assisted by Hon. Obidi Nwabueze (JP), the IKEMBA FRONT’s Director of Contact and Mobilization commenced.
The Mass was typically for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and in his sermon, Fr. Cajetan criticized leaders who see public office as their oil well and those who oppress the people. He expressed indignation at those who sacrifice the collective interest of Ndigbo at the altars of personal gains and servitude to the oppressors of Ndigbo.
He eulogized late Sen. Ubah for his passion for the poor and his many works of kindness. He noted that the desire of late Sen. Ubah was to see a better Anambra and a better humanity, saying that the business mogul strived all through his life to give comfort to people of all races.
The priest prayed God to have mercy on Sen. Ubah and grant his soul eternal rest in his bosom.
In what appeared to be a watershed in the life of the nine months old grassroots political support structure, IKEMBA FRONT, a memorial candle lighting ceremony with procession was staged by the members, reminding mortals that human lives are like a lit candle, it burns for a while and will surely go off.
A symbol of light and hope, representing the spirit of the deceased and the love and memories shared during lifetime. The procession that saw members march through the office of the group to the adjoining roads and back to the office brought members to terms with the fact that indeed Sen. Ubah was no more.
In their separate speeches, the Founder of IKEMBA FRONT, Dr. Chidi Okoye; the National Coordinator, Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu and the National Youth Leader, Dr. Charles Ebulue took turns to address the meeting informing the members of the principles of late Sen. Ubah and the need to carry on with all that he desired. They affirmed that Sen. Ubah was a messenger with a clearly defined message and that the message would continue to remain alive and active and shall be delivered in due course.
Speaker after speaker also took turns to reference on the life and times of the Distinguished Senator with members agreeing to pursue a common cause in his honour. They pledged to continue to encourage and deepen the grassroots base of the group as it represents the presence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the grassroots in Anambra state.
In a motion moved by the National Youth Leader, Dr. Charles Ebulue, who is from Nnewi South local government area and seconded by Hon. Gerald Emenike, who is from Ekwusigo local government area, all in Anambra-South, the body took a stand on the Anambra-South Senatorial seat and will make its position public in due time.
The body equally aligned itself with the position of the party with regards to the rejection as announced by the Chief Sir Basil Ejidike led APC in Anambra state, the illegalities in the process of the planned conduct of local government election, maintaining that the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has through its own actions proved that it is acting against the law and lacks the quotient and capacity to conduct local government election in the state.
The group, however, encouraged its members desirous of vying for positions in the local government elections to continue with their grassroots activities in preparation for eventual local government elections that would be conducted through a process that is in consonance with the law.
Mention was made of the burial arrangements of the Assistant National Secretary of IKEMBA FRONT, Hon. Livy Emekaronye, whose burial is on August 30, 2024. Full participation of members was assured even as the body says it is in constant touch with the wife of late Hon. Livy Emekaronye and is providing necessary support to ensure hitch free burial.
The extraordinary meeting which was streamed live and watched from across the globe had in attendance members of the IKEMBA FRONT’s National Working Committee, the members of the Board of Trustees, state chapter coordinators, diasporan chapter coordinators, zonal coordinators, zonal women leaders, local government area coordinators, local government area deputy coordinators, local government area secretaries, local government area women leaders, local government area youth leaders, local government area coordinators of IKEMBA FRONT ladies as well as members of the group that are vying for local government Chairmanship and ward Counselorship.
Some notable leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state also joined in the meeting among whom were Hon. Amaechi Okeke (Chairman Ndi Nkiti); Prince Obi Ndigwe; Hon. Mrs. Calista Nwachukwu, state Treasurer of APC; Chief Frank Ndibe, the Awka South Local Government Chairman of APC who doubles as the Chairman of all Chairmen of APC, Anambra State; Hon. Barr. Chugbo Enwezor, two term State Assembly member and leader of IKEMBA FRONT Onitsha North LGA, and Hon. Barr. Paul Mmadubueze (Okaka Anam), among others.
