Reports indicate that over one million Nigerians were unable to attend the funeral of the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, which concluded on Sunday, November 24, 2024, with a thanksgiving service at St. Peter Claver’s Church, Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State.
The inability of many to participate in the event was reportedly linked to false information and unverified news that created apprehension. This coincided with a heightened presence of security personnel in Nnewi and other areas of Anambra during and after the funeral.
Sources revealed that notable individuals from regions such as the North, the Niger Delta, Kwara State, Maiduguri, Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and Kafanchan, among others, were absent due to misinformation regarding security. Social media platforms were said to have circulated fake reports alleging attacks in Nnewi, which deterred some prominent personalities from attending.
It was also gathered that, as of press time, several dignitaries were yet to visit the late Senator’s family to pay their respects, as tradition demands. These included the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Abdulahi Ganduje, Senator Ali Ndume, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Bianca Ojukwu, Andy Uba, and other prominent figures.
Speaking to journalists at Senator Ubah’s residence in Nnewi on Sunday, Prince Emeka Kamen, a community leader, described the late Senator as a philanthropist who made significant contributions to society, including building schools in Lagos, establishing a legacy at Yaba College of Technology, constructing a stadium, and offering scholarships. Kamen expressed regret that many of the Senator’s friends stayed away due to fear but emphasized that the area was secure.
“Senator Ubah was a beloved philanthropist who impacted many lives positively. His friends did not attend because of fear.
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