The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has raised an alarm over an alleged plan by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to disrupt access to Ubima, the hometown of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, during the burial of his mother.
The party alleged that Wike had arranged a reception in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area, on Saturday, September 5, the same day Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, is scheduled to be buried.
The ADC State Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chizi Enyi, said the party received information that Wike had allegedly reached an arrangement with the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, to organise the event.
“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 alleged that the purpose of the event was not merely to honour the FCT minister but to create a situation that could restrict movement along the road leading to Ubima, where Amaechi’s mother is to be buried.
“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, insisted that the planned burial would go ahead despite any attempt to disrupt access to the community.
“The mother of Rotimi Amaechi will be laid to rest and no matter what, nothing can stop it,” he said.
The allegation comes as Amaechi and members of his family prepare to bury his mother in Ubima on Saturday.
Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, who died at the age of 89, is scheduled to be honoured with a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubima, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The interment is expected to take place immediately after the Mass at the family residence.
Wike, meanwhile, is listed as the guest of honour at a civic reception scheduled to take place in Omagwa, also in Ikwerre Local Government Area, on the same day.
The reception, organised by the Ikwerre Local Government Chairman, Charles Wobodo, is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at St. Martins Anglican Church, Omagwa.
The timing and location of the two events have generated political attention because of the proximity between Omagwa and Ubima and the long-standing political differences between Wike and Amaechi.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and former governor of Rivers State, is a political figure in the state. His mother’s death has attracted condolences and visits from politicians and public figures across different political parties.
The wake-keeping and service of songs for Dame Mary Amaechi is being held on Friday at Corpus Christi Catholic Cathedral on Aba Road/Kaduna Street, D/Line, Port Harcourt, where Amaechi was present alongside his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, relatives, friends and political associates.
Among those who attended the service of songs 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 first National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, 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.
The late Dame Mary Amaechi had also received condolences from several prominent Nigerians following the announcement of her death.
In July, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the ADC, visited Amaechi at his residence in Abuja to offer his condolences. The visit came shortly after a delegation led by the Dujima of Adamawa, Alhaji Musa Halilu, had visited Amaechi on Atiku’s behalf.
Obi also visited Amaechi and his wife after publicly expressing his condolences over 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 Bola Tinubu also mourned the deceased, describing her 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 the former governor as the family prepares for the final burial rites.
