Otti Pays Condolence Visit to Former Rivers Governor Amaechi Over Mother’s Death
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Saviour Ogbo Uche
Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, paid a condolence visit to former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, following the death of his mother, Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi.
The visit was aimed at expressing sympathy and solidarity with Amaechi and members of his family as they mourn the passing of their matriarch.
Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi died on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, at the age of 89. She is scheduled to be buried on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
During the visit, Governor Otti condoled with Amaechi and his family, praying for the repose of the deceased and for God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss. The Abia governor also signed the condolence register in honour of the late Ezinne Amaechi.
The visit further highlighted the longstanding relationship between Otti and Amaechi, whose association reportedly dates back more than three decades to their days at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
Amaechi, 61, is a prominent Nigerian politician whose public career spans the legislative, state executive and federal levels. He served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 before becoming Governor of Rivers State, a position he held for two terms from 2007 to 2015. He subsequently served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
As governor, Amaechi was also elected Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in 2011 and re-elected in 2013. His administration was associated with major infrastructure, education and transportation initiatives across Rivers State.
Following his departure from the All Progressives Congress, Amaechi joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2026.
He contested the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general election but lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The party subsequently announced him as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi’s political journey has therefore continued to attract national attention, particularly as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Governor Otti, meanwhile, has continued to consolidate his administration in Abia State since assuming office. He was elected governor in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party and has remained a prominent figure in political and governance discussions in the South-East.
The condolence visit came at a period when political leaders and associates have continued to visit the Amaechi family following the death of his mother.
The late Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi was widely described as an important maternal figure in the former governor’s life. Her death has attracted condolence messages from political associates, government officials, friends and well-wishers across Rivers State and beyond.
Governor Otti’s visit was consequently seen as a gesture of friendship and solidarity with the former governor at a difficult period for his family.
The burial of Ezinne Amaechi is expected to bring together family members, political associates, community leaders and other dignitaries as the family lays the late matriarch to rest on September 5, 2026.
