PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The death of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, mother of former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has continued to attract reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape, with African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, describing the widespread condolences as a demonstration of national unity beyond political affiliations.
Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), said the stream of condolence visits and messages from political, religious and traditional leaders reflects the respect enjoyed by Amaechi across the country and the enduring legacy of his late mother.
In a statement made available to journalists, Eze said periods of bereavement should remind leaders and citizens alike that compassion transcends political differences, adding that the solidarity shown to the Amaechi family offers hope that national interest can still prevail over partisan divisions.
Among those who identified with the family, he listed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, former Senate President David Mark, former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and several other prominent Nigerians who either visited the family or sent condolence messages.
According to him, the response from leaders across different political parties and regions underscored the unifying influence of the late matriarch, whose death, he said, brought together personalities often separated by political and ideological differences.
Eze also acknowledged visits by former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Minister of Transport, Yusuf Suleiman, former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and traditional ruler, Oba Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, describing their presence as a reflection of the relationships Amaechi has built over the years.
He equally noted the condolence message from Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who described Dame Mary Amaechi’s death as a significant loss to her family, the Catholic Church, her Ubima community and Rivers State.
Eze said President Tinubu, in his message, paid tribute to the late Dame Mary Amaechi as a woman whose life was marked by faith, sacrifice, family values and commitment to raising children devoted to public service, while Atiku Abubakar described her as a devoted Christian and a mother whose influence extended beyond her immediate family.
The ADC also joined in mourning the late matriarch, describing her as a woman whose guidance, sacrifices and values helped shape generations and praying for divine comfort for the bereaved family.
While commending the nationwide show of sympathy, Eze expressed disappointment that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had not publicly identified with the Amaechi family following the loss.
He argued that moments of bereavement should rise above political disagreements, maintaining that offering condolences is a humanitarian responsibility that should not be influenced by political differences.
According to Eze, the late Dame Mary Amaechi was known for her humility, deep Christian faith, kindness and commitment to family and community, qualities he said earned her respect from many who came in contact with her.
He urged Amaechi, his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, their children and the entire family to draw strength from the values and legacy left behind by the deceased, praying for God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
