President Jonathan, Wife, Gov Dickson Pay Tributes To Deceased Bayelsa Female Politicians, As They Are Laid To Rest In Yenagoa

The remains of the female politicians, who died in a ghastly auto accident have been laid to rest at the Bayelsa State cemetery, Azikoro in Yenagoa, the state capital.

President Goodluck Jonathan his wife, Dame Patience and the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson as well as wives of the Anambra and Ekiti State Governors joined other sympathizers at a special memorial service in honour of the deceased women at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, in Yenagoa.

Paying glowing tributes to the deceased, President Jonathan said he had a personal relationship with almost all the women involved in the accident, describing the fateful day of the incident as a black Saturday, that engulfed the entire state.

The President, who stated that he received the news of their death, while playing host to widows and families of the soldiers, that have died in the ongoing insurgency in the North Eastern part of the Country, commended the state government for its efforts in honouring the departed.

Describing the world as a stage, President Jonathan said, the women had played their role and prayed God to grant the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the painful loss, hoping that, the living would had learned lessons from their experience.

First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, clad in a black attire, described the late women as her sisters and friends, who shared her dreams and vision to make life more meaningful for the citizenry.

Dame Patience said she would continue to remember fond memories of them of a life of honour and integrity, as they were a pillar of support to her.

As President of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, she stressed the need for people to live in peace and unity, irrespective of political interests.

Also in his tribute, Governor Seriake Dickson expressed gratitude to President Jonathan and his wife Dame Patience for personally attending the state funeral service, particularly the show of concern exhibited by the First Lady, whom he said had earlier paid condolence visits to each of the families affected by the tragedy.

The Governor also expressed appreciation to people within and outside the state, who identified with the people of the state over the incident, through calls and letters, stated that, the government would support the bereaved families.

In an emotion laden voice, Governor Dickson remarked that, the gruesome death of the women would remain a tragedy to their immediate families and in the history of the state.

In his tribute to his late wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Oguru, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Edmund Alison-Oguru described her as a wonderful and humble woman, who lived a rewarding life.

He said his wife had a heart of gold, whose departure should engender love in the hearts of the people to dispel the hatred that pervades the world.

In a brief exhortation, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace Church, made references to the scriptures, stating that, no one could question the will of God and prayed God to comfort the families left behind by the deceased.

Representatives of each of the bereaved families also paid tributes to the deceased and gave a brief background of their lives and contributions to their families and the state and wished them perfect and peaceful rest in the bosom of the Lord.

The service was attended by the wives of the Anambra and Ekiti State Governors, Uche Secondus, National Deputy Chairman of the PDP, among other dignitaries.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State