Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is set to miss the burial of the mother of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, after scheduling a civic reception in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State for the same day as the funeral.
The burial of Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, with a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubima, Rivers State, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow immediately at the family residence in Ubima.
However, a programme showing Wike as the guest of honour for a civic reception in Ikwerre Local Government Area indicates that the minister is expected to attend another event on the same day.
The reception, organised by the Executive Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Charles Wobodo, is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at St. Martins Anglican Church, Omagwa, in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The development comes as prominent political leaders, former public office holders and associates of Amaechi have continued to visit and stand by the former governor and his family following the death of his mother.
The wake-keeping and service of songs for the late Dame Mary Orduah Amaechi is taking place today, Friday, at Corpus Christi Catholic Cathedral on Aba Road/Kaduna Street, D/Line, Port Harcourt. The vigil Mass is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
Amaechi was at the cathedral alongside his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, family members, friends and several political figures for the service of songs.
Among the dignitaries present are former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Edo State Governor and former senator, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor; former Edo State Governor and first National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; former senator and Silverbird Group founder, Ben Murray-Bruce; former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia; and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru.
Their presence at the service of songs underscores the wide political and personal relationships built by Amaechi over the years, with leaders from different political backgrounds joining the family to mourn the loss.
Amaechi has also received condolence visits from several prominent Nigerians since the death of his mother was announced.
In July, African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, paid a formal condolence visit to Amaechi at his Abuja residence. Atiku, who was accompanied by members of his team, visited his running mate to sympathise with him and the Amaechi family.
The visit came about two weeks after a delegation led by the Dujima of Adamawa, Alhaji Musa Halilu, visited Amaechi’s residence on Atiku’s behalf to convey condolences following the death.
Peter Obi also paid a personal condolence visit to Amaechi and his wife after earlier expressing his sympathy in a message posted on his X account.
Obi described the loss of a mother as a deeply painful experience and prayed for strength for the former minister and his family.
Obi wrote, “My Condolences to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the Passing of His Mother.
“My dear brother, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved mother. Losing a parent, especially a matriarch who contributed so much to her family and community is a profound loss that words can scarcely comfort.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our deepest condolences to you, the entire Amaechi family, and all who are mourning this monumental loss.
“May God Almighty grant her eternal rest, and may He give you and your loved ones the strength, fortitude, and peace to bear this irreparable loss.
“Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With my highest regards and deepest sympathy.”
President Bola Tinubu also mourned Dame Mary Amaechi, describing her as “a champion of faith whose life was marked by humility and selfless service to humanity.”
“My heartfelt condolences to Rt. Hon. Amaechi, the entire Amaechi family, the Catholic faithful, and the government and people of Rivers State over the loss of Dame Ezinne Amaechi. May Almighty God grant her soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn her passing at this difficult time,” the president said.
Other prominent Nigerians who had earlier visited Amaechi include former Senate President David Mark, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN), former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
Several leaders of the ADC have also visited the former Rivers governor following the death.
Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi died at the age of 89.
