Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, Dr. Kayode Fayemi Visit Amaechi, Condole with Him over Mother's Death
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Alakam Modestus Chidi
ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, alongside former Ekiti State Governor and former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Tuesday paid a condolence visit to former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, following the death of his mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi.
The two elder statesmen visited Amaechi at his Abuja residence, where they expressed their heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with him and members of the Amaechi family during their period of mourning.
The visit underscored the longstanding personal relationship and political camaraderie shared among the three leaders, whose interactions over the years have transcended partisan and regional interests.
Senator Kalu, a former Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, is one of the country's most prominent political figures, having served as Governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007 before his election to the Senate. Dr. Fayemi, on the other hand, served two terms as Governor of Ekiti State and was Minister of Mines and Steel Development under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Rt. Hon. Amaechi, a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, served as Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 before his appointment as Nigeria's Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023. He was also a presidential aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 general elections. He is currently the running mate to His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 Presidential elections under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), haven loss the primary Atiku Abubakar.
The condolence visit comes days after the announcement of the passing of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, whose death has attracted an outpouring of sympathy from political leaders, associates, friends and well-wishers across Nigeria.
Although details surrounding her death have remained private, tributes have continued to pour in, describing her as a devoted mother, a woman of faith and a pillar of support to her family and community.
During the visit, Senators Kalu and Fayemi offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased and encouraged the former Rivers governor and his family to draw strength from the legacy of a life well lived. They also prayed for God's comfort, courage and grace to sustain the family through the difficult period.
Political observers say such visits reflect the enduring culture of solidarity among Nigeria's political leaders during moments of personal loss, regardless of political differences or changing alliances.
The meeting also highlighted the mutual respect among the three leaders, all of whom have played significant roles in Nigeria's democratic journey over the past two decades.
As preparations for the burial of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi continue, condolences have continued to come from across the country, with many describing her passing as a great loss to the Amaechi family while urging them to find solace in the impact and values she imparted during her lifetime.
