The presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and other prominent political figures on Saturday gathered at Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, to commiserate with former Minister of Transportation and ADC Vice Presidential candidate, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, over the burial of his mother, Dame Ezinne Orduah Amaechi.
Atiku, accompanied by his wife, Amina Titi Abubakar, was among the dignitaries who attended the funeral ceremony. Others included former Vice President Osinbajo; ADC chieftain, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed; former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Bello Adoke; and several other political leaders.
Also present were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Tunde Ogbeha; former Senate President, Senator David Mark; former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha; Great Ogboru; and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega.
The gathering also attracted serving and former senators, members of the House of Representatives, political candidates and other prominent Nigerians from across the country and abroad.
However, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, were absent from the solemn ceremony.
Wike was, at the same time, attending a reception organised in his honour by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area. The reception reportedly affected traffic flow along the expressway, creating difficulties for some dignitaries travelling to the burial ceremony a few kilometres away.
Fubara’s absence also attracted attention against the backdrop of the longstanding political differences between Wike and Amaechi, who have remained on opposing sides of Rivers State’s political divide.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, urged politicians and public office holders to use their positions to promote peace, protect vulnerable citizens and pursue the common good.
Speaking on the theme, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” the cleric said elections should provide Nigerians with the opportunity to freely choose their leaders, rather than become occasions for division and destruction.
“Election is an opportunity for the people to choose who they want to lead them. Nigeria needs peace. We need leaders who can disagree but arrive at a point that will be beneficial to all,” he said.
He cautioned political leaders against using public office to destroy one another or their communities, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.
The bishop described the late Dame Amaechi as a generous, kind, loving and God-fearing woman who instilled strong Christian values in her children.
He added that death itself carries a message, urging the congregation to reflect on the transient nature of life.
In his vote of thanks, Amaechi expressed appreciation to friends, associates and political leaders who travelled from different parts of Nigeria and abroad to honour his late mother.
“Losing our mother has been very hard, and your words provided comfort,” he said.
Blessing Ibunge
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