Atiku, Osinbajo, Mark, Other Dignitaries Honour Amaechi’s Mother at Ubima Burial
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Morrisons Amankwo
UBIMA, RIVERS STATE — Two former Vice-Presidents of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Saturday joined prominent political leaders, former public office holders and other dignitaries at the burial of Dame Mary Ezinne Orduah Amaechi, mother of former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) Vice-Presidential Candidate, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
The funeral service, held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubima, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, attracted political leaders from across Nigeria who gathered to pay their final respects to the late matriarch and stand with the Amaechi family in their moment of grief.
Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate and former Vice-President of Nigeria, attended the ceremony alongside his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Titi Atiku Abubakar. Also present was Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, who served as Vice-President between 2015 and 2023.
The gathering also featured the ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, Senator David Mark; ADC National Secretary and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; and former Labour Party Vice-Presidential Candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed.
Other notable dignitaries reported at the funeral included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Tunde Ogbeha; former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha; former Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega; Great Ogboru; and former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia.
The funeral also attracted serving and former senators, members of the House of Representatives, political candidates and other prominent Nigerians from different parts of the country.
Dame Mary Orduah Amaechi, also referred to as Dame Ezinne Orduah Amaechi, died on July 16, 2026, at the age of 89. Her funeral brought together political figures across party lines, underscoring the respect and affection she commanded during her lifetime.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, called on politicians and public office holders to make peace, protect vulnerable citizens and pursue the common good.
Speaking on the theme, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” the bishop said elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to freely choose their leaders rather than become periods of division and destruction.
He urged political leaders to learn to disagree without destroying one another, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The cleric described the late Dame Amaechi as a generous, loving, kind and God-fearing woman who instilled strong Christian values in her children.
The presence of Atiku and Osinbajo at the funeral was particularly significant, with their attendance highlighting a moment of political fellowship beyond partisan differences.
The two former Vice-Presidents were commended for honouring the deceased and identifying with the Amaechi family during its period of bereavement.
The burial came a day after former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso visited the Amaechi family at its Port Harcourt residence to offer condolences.
In his vote of thanks, Rotimi Amaechi expressed appreciation to friends, associates and political leaders who travelled from different parts of Nigeria and abroad to honour his late mother and support the family.
The ceremony ended with tributes to the late Dame Amaechi and prayers for the repose of her soul.
