Dr. Peter Otunaya Odili, former governor of Rivers State, his wife Justice Mary Odili, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, were among the dignitaries who graced the burial ceremony of Late Opara Robert Hanachor Opara, father of Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, former deputy speaker, Federal House of Representatives.
Other Personalities in the roll call include, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, the Rivers State ACN governorship candidate in the last gubernatorial election, Hon. Chibudum Wuche, former deputy speaker Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Timi Alaibe, former MD of NDDC Senator Adolphus Wagbara, former Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Former Deputy Senate President, Hon. Ike Ekweremadu Deputy Speaker federal House of representatives.
Minister of Labour and productivity who represented Dr. Goodluck Jonathan the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hon. Chimbiko Akarolo, Mayor of Port Harcourt City LGA, Hon. Chief Azubuike Nmerukini, former Mayor of Port Harcourt, Dame Mrs. Judith Amaechi, wife of governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Hon. Victor Ihunwo, a lawmaker representing PHALGA III in the Rivers State House of Assembly, HRH Chief Owabie Tobin, the Eze Onumini I of Phalga, other members of the senate, members of federal House of Representatives, some members of Dr. Jonathan’s cabinet some members of the Rivers state House of Assembly and a host of others, graced the occasion.
The funeral ceremony kicked off from St. Thomas Anglican church Diobu, where the church service was held and burial at the church cemetery later to Community Secondary School, Nkpolu Oroworukwo premises where the grand finale was held.
Speaking during the ceremony at the Community Secondary School premises, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, described late Pa Robert Opara as one who lived a worthy life worthy of emulation while on earth.
Speaker Tombuwel noted that late Opara impacted on several lives positively, which was why people from all over the federation graced his funeral service, praying that his soul should rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord.
In a chat with journalists, Hon. Chief Austin Opara, the chief mourner, described his late father as a peace maker, humble, patient, meek and one who had the fear God, stressing that his late father’s success was a favour from God due to his patience.
He enjoined the public not to be in a hurry to make it in life, rather should wait for God’s time, because God rewards patience. ###
Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor
