Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that nothing can surpass the eternal gains of living quality and exemplary life because it leaves enduring but positive impact on society.
The Governor, therefore, advised people to spend more time in endeavours that contribute to advancing society, help individuals and promote peace at all times.
Governor Fubara made the remark at the Funeral Service of late Mrs Erefori Basi Maeba, mother of Senator Lee Maeba, former representative of Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly at Luuwa Community in Khana Local Government Area of the State on Saturday.
The Governor said: “We are here to celebrate Mama, to say farewell. But I have a question for the family; the Lee family: When Mama was alive, I hope you had a relationship with her?
I hope you had a friendship, you had respect for Mama?
“Because it is not just enough for us to come to celebrate her in death. We should, when our parents are alive, also honour them. That is the most important thing.”
Governor Fubara, however, said that going by what was said by the chief mourner, Senator Maeba, the children had maintained good relationship with their matriarch.
He said, “Let me thank everyone of you who have come to support our brother. There is nothing so important and too special than to live a life that is fulfilled.
“It is not the number of years, but the value that is added to that life that affects people positively when you are alive.”
Speaking on the resolve of his administration to continue to steady the affairs of State, Governor Fubara assured of providing quality leadership that will continue to change the trajectory of development.
Mindful of the distractions, Governor Fubara acknowledged the support of Rivers people, and assured that he will not disappoint them but deliver good governance and quality infrastructure to the people.
“The Government of Rivers State under our watch will continue to take the interest of our people very seriously. We will not play. We will not jeopardize this support, and for this mandate that you have given to us, we will defend it, and make you proud.”
Preaching at the Funeral Service, Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Archbishop Oliver Ali Abah, said the biblical Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of the fish, was found worthy by God to be sent on an eternal rescue mission, and admonished that people should have such attributes by diligently working to overcome life’s challenges daily.
In his speech, the chief mourner, Senator Lee Maeba, acknowledged the support of Governor Fubara, and thanked friends for their solidarity and prayers while also expressing gratitude to God for keeping the family united.
Dignitaries at the event were Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti; Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo; former Governors of the State: Chibuike Amaechi, and Sir Celestine Omehia; as well as former Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru; Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo; former National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; former transport minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo; some former and serving National Assembly members; and Rivers State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Emeka Bekee.***
