The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and his wife, Amina Titi, joined other prominent politicians on Saturday to attend the burial of Dame Ezinne Orduah Amaechi, mother of the ADC Vice-Presidential Candidate, Rotimi Amaechi.

Also present at the solemn event in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area, were former Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Dr Datti Baba Ahmed, and Muhammad Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Most of the prominent ADC stalwarts in Rivers, including the party’s Governorship Candidate, Gabriel Pidomson, as well as others from across the country, attended the occasion.

In his sermon, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt called on holders of political office to use such opportunities to make peace with all men and protect the most vulnerable in society.

Eluke reminded the congregation that “election is an opportunity for the people to choose who they want to lead them”, adding that “Nigeria needs peace and we need leaders who can only disagree but arrive at a point that will be beneficial to all”.

The cleric warned that in the looming election, “No political office should be used to destroy one another or the community.”

He paid tribute to the late Dame Mary Amaechi, describing her as a generous, lovely, kind and sweet mother.

He said the deceased was a God-fearing woman who bequeathed to her children the good virtues of putting God first in every human endeavour before she died.

Eluke, who preached on the topic “Blessed are the peacemakers”, said the lesson everyone should learn when somebody dies is that “every death is a message without a word”.

In his vote of thanks, the chief mourner, Amaechi, expressed great delight at the presence of his numerous friends, who travelled from all over the country and overseas to honour his late mother, adding that, “Losing our mother has been very hard and your words provided comfort.”

Other prominent citizens at Ubima for the burial included Vanguard Editor Eze Anaba, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbosola, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Tunde Ogbeha, David Mark, Emeka Ihedioha, Great Ogboru, and John Oyegun.

Others included former and serving senators, members of the House of Representatives, candidates for various political offices, and others. (The Nation, excluding headline)