Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has arrived in Rivers State to attend the burial of the mother of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, is expected to join Amaechi, his running mate, family members, political associates and other dignitaries at the burial ceremony in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, died at the age of 89.
The funeral Mass is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubima, with the interment expected to follow immediately at the Amaechi family residence.
Atiku’s arrival comes amid a political controversy in the area over an alleged plan by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to disrupt access to Ubima during the burial.
The ADC in Rivers State had raised an alarm over an alleged plan by Wike to organise a reception in his honour at Omagwa, also in Ikwerre Local Government Area, on the same day as the burial.
The party alleged that the reception, which is being organised by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, could affect movement along the route to Ubima.
The ADC State Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chizi Enyi, said the party received information about the planned event and alleged that it was connected to Wike.
“We got credible information that Wike has conspired with the Ikwerre LGA Chairman to hold a reception in his honour at Omagwa and they have mobilized the people to do a wrestling competition,” Enyi said.
He further alleged that the event could be used to restrict access to Amaechi’s hometown at a critical time when mourners and other dignitaries would be travelling to the community.
“The essence of the reception tomorrow at Omagwa is to shutdown the access road leading to Ubima, the home town of HE. Rotimi Amaechi,” the ADC spokesman alleged.
Enyi, however, said the alleged plan would not stop the burial from taking place.
“The mother of Rotimi Amaechi will be laid to rest and no matter what, nothing can stop it,” he said.
Wike is listed as the guest of honour at the civic reception in Omagwa, which is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at St. Martins Anglican Church. The event is taking place on the same day as the funeral in Ubima.
The proximity and timing of the two events have attracted political attention, particularly because of the long-standing political differences between Wike and Amaechi, who both previously served as prominent political figures in Rivers State.
Amaechi was governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 before serving as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Wike succeeded him as governor and later became FCT minister under President Bola Tinubu.
The burial has also brought together several prominent political figures from across the country, with members of different political parties visiting the Amaechi family to offer condolences.
The wake-keeping and service of songs for Dame Mary Amaechi was held on Friday at Corpus Christi Catholic Cathedral on Aba Road/Kaduna Street, D/Line, Port Harcourt.
Amaechi attended the service alongside his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, relatives, friends and political associates.
Among those present were former Anambra State Governor and ADC presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Edo State Governor and former senator, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor; former Edo State Governor and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; former senator and Silverbird Group founder, Ben Murray-Bruce; former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia; and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru.
Atiku had earlier visited Amaechi at his Abuja residence in July to offer his condolences following the death of the former governor’s mother. The visit came shortly after a delegation led by the Dujima of Adamawa, Alhaji Musa Halilu, visited Amaechi on Atiku’s behalf.
Obi also visited Amaechi and his wife after publicly mourning the death of the former governor’s mother.
“My Condolences to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the Passing of His Mother,” Obi wrote.
“My dear brother, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved mother. Losing a parent, especially a matriarch who contributed so much to her family and community is a profound loss that words can scarcely comfort.”
He added, “On behalf of my family, I extend our deepest condolences to you, the entire Amaechi family, and all who are mourning this monumental loss.”
President Tinubu also expressed his condolences, describing the deceased as “a champion of faith whose life was marked by humility and selfless service to humanity.”
“My heartfelt condolences to Rt. Hon. Amaechi, the entire Amaechi family, the Catholic faithful, and the government and people of Rivers State over the loss of Dame Ezinne Amaechi. May Almighty God grant her soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn her passing at this difficult time,” Tinubu said.
Other prominent Nigerians who have visited Amaechi or expressed condolences include former Senate President David Mark, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
Several ADC leaders have also visited Amaechi as the family prepares to lay Dame Mary Amaechi to rest.
