Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defucnt New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has described the passing of Late Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, mother of former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as a solemn moment that has unexpectedly united Nigeria’s political, religious, traditional and social leaders across party lines.
In a statement made available to the media, Eze said, the remarkable show of solidarity and compassion demonstrated by leaders from different political persuasions underscores the enduring respect that the Vice Presidential Candidate of the ADC, Rt. Hon. Amaechi commands across the country and the noble legacy bequeathed by his late mother.
He observed that in moments of grief, political differences ought to give way to humanity, compassion and shared values, noting that the visits and condolence messages received by the Amaechi family have rekindled hope that Nigeria can still rise above partisan divisions in pursuit of a more united, egalitarian and prosperous nation.
Eze particularly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President and ADC Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, NDC Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, his running mate and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, former First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, Chief (Mrs.) Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar the incoming First Lady of Nigeria, Senator David Mark, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Sen. Ali Ndume, Sen. Ehigie Edobor Uzamere, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and other national leaders who either visited personally or sent heartfelt messages of condolence to the bereaved family.
According to him, the presence of these distinguished Nigerians demonstrated that the late Dame Mary Amaechi became a symbol of unity even in death, bringing together personalities who ordinarily belong to different political and ideological backgrounds.
He described as particularly heartwarming the visits by former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, whom he described as one of Amaechi’s closest brothers from Northern Nigeria, alongside former Minister of Transport, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman. Eze said both leaders offered sincere prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased and asked God to grant the bereaved family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
He equally appreciated the visit of former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and his wife, Lady Ebere Ihedioha, describing it as a demonstration of the enduring bond between the people of the South-East and the Amaechi family.
The visit by Traditional Ruler His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, OFR, FCIM, First Class Traditional Ruler, Director General of the South West Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Olowa of Igbara-Oke Kingdom, Ondo State demonstrates the acceptance of Amaechi across all sections of this country
Chief Eze also acknowledged the condolence message conveyed by Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who described the death of Dame Mary Amaechi as an irreparable loss not only to her immediate family but also to the Catholic Church, the people of Ubima Community and Rivers State at large. He noted that Governor Fubara rightly recognized the profound role the late matriarch played in shaping lives through her exemplary virtues and prayed for God to grant her eternal rest.
Quoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence message, Eze noted that the President described the late matriarch as a woman of deep Catholic faith, exemplary family values and unwavering commitment to raising children devoted to public service. According to the President, her life was defined by love, sacrifice, kindness and perseverance, virtues that earned her admiration and respect from all who encountered her. President Tinubu further urged the Amaechi family to draw strength from the enduring legacy of faith, dignity and selfless service she left behind.
Atiku, in a condolence message shared on his verified social media handles, described the deceased as a woman who lived an exemplary Christian life marked by devotion and selfless service to her community.
He said Mrs Amaechi was “a mother to all those who crossed her path” and that Nigeria was indebted to her for giving birth to “one of the outstanding statesmen and a great patriot” in the person of Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation.
The former vice-president prayed for the repose of her soul and comfort for the family.
On its part, the ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the late Mrs Amaechi as a matriarch whose love, guidance and strength helped shape generations.
It said, “A mother’s influence reaches far beyond the walls of her home. It is reflected in the values she imparts, the sacrifices she makes, and the lives she leaves better than she found them.”
The party prayed that God would grant her eternal rest and give the family strength and comfort in the days ahead
While applauding the overwhelming show of national solidarity, Eze expressed disappointment over what he described as the conspicuous absence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from both the condolence visits and other acts of sympathy towards the bereaved family.
He stated that regardless of political disagreements, death remains a sacred moment that demands compassion and humanity.
“It is most unfortunate, insensitive and deeply disappointing that Nyesom Wike could not deem it necessary to identify with the Amaechi family at this difficult period, especially considering the immense support, encouragement and goodwill he enjoyed from the late Dame Mary Amaechi during the formative years of his political career.
“Her motherly disposition towards many, including those who later rose to prominence, is well known. It is therefore regrettable that political differences could overshadow the basic human obligation of offering condolences to a grieving family.”
Chief Eze maintained that compassion should never become a casualty of politics, stressing that history will always remember those who stood with the bereaved in moments of sorrow more than those who allowed political rivalry to override common humanity.
He described the late Dame Mary Amaechi as a devoted Christian, a loving mother, a respected community leader and an exceptional woman whose life was defined by humility, kindness, discipline and unwavering faith in God.
According to him, her enduring legacy will continue to live through the values she instilled in her children, the countless lives she touched and the positive impact she made within her community and beyond.
Eze urged Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, their children and the entire Amaechi family to take solace in the exemplary life Mama Mary lived and the remarkable legacy she left behind.
He concluded: “To my principal, leader, brother and friend, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, I extend my deepest condolences. I share in your grief and pray that Almighty God grants you, your family and all who mourn the late Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi the strength, comfort and divine grace to bear this painful loss. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
