Rivals, allies and prominent political figures put politics aside in Ubima on Saturday to mourn the mother of former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and several other senior political figures gathered in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, for the funeral of Dame Ezinne Orduah Amaechi, mother of former Minister of Transportation and ADC vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi.
Atiku attended the ceremony with his wife, Amina Titi Abubakar.
Other notable guests included Osinbajo; ADC chieftain Datti Baba-Ahmed; former Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim; and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Also in attendance were Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, former Senate President David Mark, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Great Ogboru and former Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega.
The ceremony drew a wider cross-section of Nigeria’s political class, including serving and former lawmakers, political candidates and other dignitaries who travelled from within Nigeria and overseas.
Wike’s absence draws attention
Two prominent Rivers State political figures were notably missing from the funeral: Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Wike was reportedly attending a reception organised in his honour by the chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area at the same time as the burial.
The event reportedly contributed to traffic congestion along the expressway, complicating the journey for some guests heading to the funeral venue only a few kilometres away.
Fubara’s absence also stood out given the long-running political tensions involving Wike and Amaechi, who have occupied opposing positions in Rivers State’s often turbulent political landscape.
Bishop delivers a message to politicians
The political backdrop was impossible to ignore during the homily.
The Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, used his address to call for peace, responsible leadership and political tolerance, particularly as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections.
Speaking under the theme “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” the bishop argued that elections should give citizens a peaceful mechanism for choosing their leaders—not become triggers for violence or social division.
“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.
Eluke urged politicians and other public officials not to turn political disagreements into campaigns of destruction against individuals, communities or institutions.
His appeal came as political activity and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify.
Remembering Dame Amaechi
Beyond the political gathering, the ceremony centred on the life and legacy of Amaechi’s mother.
Bishop Eluke remembered Dame Ezinne Orduah Amaechi as a generous, compassionate and deeply religious woman who raised her children with strong Christian principles.
He also encouraged mourners to see death as an opportunity for reflection, reminding them of the temporary nature of human life.
Amaechi thanks mourners
In his vote of thanks, Amaechi acknowledged the friends, associates and political leaders who travelled from across Nigeria and abroad to stand with his family.
He said the loss of his mother had been particularly difficult, but expressed gratitude for the support and words of encouragement offered by those who attended.
“Losing our mother has been very hard, and your words provided comfort,” Amaechi said.
