Wike Accused of Plot to Block Access to Amaechi’s Hometown During Mother’s Burial

A political clash is casting a fresh shadWikeow over Rotimi Amaechi’s mother’s burial in Rivers State, as the ADC alleges that a reception for Nyesom Wike could disrupt access to the former governor’s hometown on the same day.

The ADC in Rivers State has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of allegedly planning a reception in Omagwa on September 5 that could affect access to Ubima, where former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, is being buried. Wike is listed as a guest of honour at the reception, while Amaechi’s mother’s funeral Mass is scheduled for the same day in Ubima.

A fresh political controversy has emerged in Rivers State as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleges that a civic reception for Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, could disrupt access to Ubima, the hometown of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, during his mother’s burial.

The allegation comes as Amaechi and his family prepare to lay his mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, to rest in Ubima on Saturday, September 5.

According to the ADC, a reception for Wike has been scheduled for Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area on the same day as the burial.

The party alleged that the event could lead to restrictions on the road linking the area to Ubima.

ADC Raises Alarm Over Wike Reception

The ADC State Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chizi Enyi, said the party received information about an alleged arrangement involving Wike and the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo.

Enyi claimed that Wobodo had organised a civic reception for the FCT minister at Omagwa.

He further alleged that residents had been mobilised for a wrestling competition as part of the event.

“We got credible information that Wike has conspired with the Ikwerre LGA Chairman to hold a reception in his honour at Omagwa and they have mobilized the people to do a wrestling competition,” Enyi said.

The ADC spokesman further alleged that the reception could affect movement along the road to Ubima.

“The essence of the reception tomorrow at Omagwa is to shutdown the access road leading to Ubima, the home town of HE. Rotimi Amaechi,” he alleged.

However, Enyi insisted that the alleged plan would not stop Amaechi’s mother from being buried.

“The mother of Rotimi Amaechi will be laid to rest and no matter what, nothing can stop it,” he said.

The claims by the ADC have not been independently established in the information available for this report.

Amaechi’s Mother’s Burial Details

Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi died at the age of 89.

Her funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubima.

The interment is expected to follow immediately at the Amaechi family residence.

Meanwhile, the civic reception for Wike has been scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at St. Martins Anglican Church, Omagwa.

Wike is listed as the guest of honour at the event, which is being organised by Ikwerre Local Government Chairman Charles Wobodo.

The timing of the two events has attracted attention because Omagwa and Ubima are both located within Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The situation has also drawn political interest because of the long-standing differences between Wike and Amaechi.

Prominent Nigerians Attend Amaechi’s Mother’s Wake

The wake-keeping and service of songs for Dame Mary Amaechi is being held on Friday at Corpus Christi Catholic Cathedral on Aba Road/Kaduna Street, D/Line, Port Harcourt.

Amaechi attended the service alongside his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, family members, friends and political associates.

Among those present were former Anambra State Governor and ADC presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Edo State Governor and former senator, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor; and former Edo State Governor and first National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Also in attendance were 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.

The deceased had also received condolences from several prominent Nigerians since her death was announced.

Atiku, Obi, Tinubu Mourn Amaechi’s Mother

In July, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited Amaechi at his Abuja residence to offer his condolences.

The visit followed an earlier condolence visit by a delegation led by the Dujima of Adamawa, Alhaji Musa Halilu, on Atiku’s behalf.

Peter Obi also visited Amaechi and his wife after publicly expressing his sympathy over the death.

“My Condolences to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the Passing of His Mother,” Obi wrote.

“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.”

He added: “On behalf of my family, I extend our deepest condolences to you, the entire Amaechi family, and all who are mourning this monumental loss.”

President Bola Tinubu also mourned the deceased.

The President described 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,” Tinubu said.

Other prominent Nigerians who have visited Amaechi or expressed condolences 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, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

Several ADC leaders have also visited the former governor as his family prepares for the final burial rites.

As the burial takes place in Ubima, attention is now focused on whether the separate event scheduled for Omagwa will affect movement in the area.

For now, the ADC’s claim remains an allegation, while Amaechi’s mother’s burial is expected to proceed as scheduled.