By Peter Okutu

ABAKALIKI—AFTER months of vigorous planning, articulation and budgeting, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state and his entire family last weekend organized the burial ceremony of their late mother, Mrs. Margaret Umahi who was aged 84 years.

From left— Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and his wife, Rachel, at the thanksgiving service in honour of the late mother of the governor in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

The deceased until her death was known for her commitment and service to God and humanity, and flowing from this rich christian background, she was able to instill godly virtues and character into the lives of her children and those around her.

The ceremony which took place at Uburu community in Ohaozara local government area of the state brought together dignitaries from within and outside the country as the venue of the event was filled to capacity with sympathizers including men of God from different denominations.

The burial ceremony which brought together individuals from various political divide and walks of life to condole with the entire Umahi family over the demise of their beloved mother created a sense of unity among Ebonyi people.

In his address, President Muhammadu Buhari noted that the Federal government had a lot to learn from the dint of hard work exhibited by Governor David Umahi’s late mother, Deaconess Margaret Umahi who was able to harness the challenges of her time to train and equip her children.

The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. David Lawal stated that late Deaconess Umahi as a peasant farmer tackled and conquered the menace of poverty in her family through hardwork and perseverance.

He also added that late Deaconess Umahi through hardwork trained her children and was able to produce personalities such as a state Governor, Army Major General, a traditional Ruler, an accountant, Lawyer, Engineers and many others.

According to him, we were witnesses to these feats achieved by the late Deaconess at a time when the country is faced with economic and security challenges.

He added that Governor Umahi’s late mother bequeathed lots of legacies before her departure.

In short remarks, former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that the burial ceremony of late Governor David Umahi’s mother served as a veritable platform that united all the opposition political parties and interest groups across the nation.

The former President who placed the protocol right by advising that it was improper for anybody to present a speech in an event, when the President of the country had already presented his keynote address, showered praises on the deceased for her immense contributions to the society at large.

“Mama is a uniter of opposition in the country; a uniter in her state; a uniter among the Church of God. I want to congratulate the children for all their effort,” he said

The Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari represented by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Gimbia Dogara who thanked the people of Ebonyi state for being behind their Governor noted that the governor’s mother left legacies that would her remain fresh in the minds of the people.

Governor Umahi who was delighted over the number of dignitaries that graced the ceremony asked God to reward them accordingly.

Governor Umahi who chronicled what his mother represented in his life and the entire family while alive, said she meant a lot to him and that he would want her to be his mother in the next world assuming such existed.

The event attracted President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Lawal, wife of the President, Aisha Buhari represented by the wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mrs Gimbia Dogara, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, wife of former President Jonathan, Mrs. Dame Patience Jonathan, over 12 Governors of both APC and PDP political parties in the country.

Others are Chairman Governors Forum, Governor Yari of Zamfara State and Chairman the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governors forum, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, some Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, such as the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Chris Ngige and Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu.

Also, former Governor Sam Egwu, National Assembly members from Ebonyi State, the state House of Assembly members, commissioners, caretaker committee chairmen among others, too numerous to mention, were also present.