PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has commended former Rivers State Governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for the conduct of his late mother’s burial, saying the turnout of political leaders and other dignitaries reflected the respect enjoyed by the former governor.
Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), made the remarks in a statement following the burial of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He described the ceremony as dignified and expressed appreciation to those who identified with the Amaechi family during the period of mourning.
According to him, the presence of prominent Nigerians at the burial demonstrated the extent of the relationships built by Amaechi over the years.
Eze also commended Dame Judith Amaechi for the role she played in mobilising women leaders to attend the ceremony, saying their participation contributed to the significance of the occasion.
He extended his appreciation to ADC’s Rivers State leadership, members, supporters and associates who, according to him, contributed to the success of the burial activities.
Eze particularly mentioned the party’s Rivers State Chairman, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, as well as the ADC governorship and deputy governorship candidates in the state, Dr Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson and Chief David Amapakaye Okumgba.
The ADC had earlier named Okumgba as Pidomson’s running mate for the 2027 Rivers governorship election.
Eze said the level of organisation and commitment among party members had strengthened his confidence in the ADC’s prospects in the 2027 elections.
He said the party’s leadership in Rivers State had a responsibility to consolidate its structures and sustain unity among members as preparations for the elections intensify.
Eze, however, advised Amaechi to remain focused on the ADC’s broader political objectives and not allow his long-running political differences with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to distract from the party’s campaign.
He accused Wike of engaging in political activities that, in his view, were intended to divert attention from the burial, although the allegation represents Eze’s political assessment and has not been independently established.
The burial itself attracted prominent political figures from different backgrounds, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. Reports of the ceremony have highlighted the cross-party attendance as one of its notable features.
Eze said the ADC would continue to strengthen its organisation in Rivers State and expressed confidence that the party would remain a significant contender ahead of the 2027 elections.
