This weekend is set to see high stakes political drama in Rivers State as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike is set to shun former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi’s mother’s funeral, having scheduled a civic reception in Rivers State’s Ikwerre Local Government Area for the same date.
The funeral Mass for Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Ubima, Rivers State, followed immediately by her interment at the family compound.
According to an event itinerary naming Wike as the honoured guest, the minister will instead be attending the civic gathering taking place concurrently in the same LGA.
Hon. Charles Wobodo, Executive Chairman of the Ikwerre Local Government Area, is organising the reception at St. Martins Anglican Church in Omagwa at 12:00 p.m.
Following the death of his mother, notable political figures, former public officials and Amaechi’s associates have continued to visit and support the former governor and his family.
Top political figured present included former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Edo State Governor and former senator, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor; former Edo State Governor and first National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; 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.
Backstory…
Wike and Amaechi were once political allies. Wike served as Chief of Staff to Amaechi when he was Rivers State governor, but their relationship later deteriorated as both men competed for control of the state’s political structure.
By the 2015 election, they were on opposite sides: Wike emerged as the PDP candidate and eventually succeeded Amaechi as governor, while Amaechi had moved to the APC and backed Dakuku Peterside against him. Their rivalry subsequently became one of the defining political battles in Rivers State.
Their rivalry has again become politically relevant ahead of 2027. Amaechi is now the ADC vice-presidential candidate, while Wike, despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Government, remains an influential political figure in Rivers.
Read Also: Peter Obi Mourns Amaechi’s Mother, Expresses Deep Sadness
