Peter Obi, Duke, others join Amaechi at late mother’s vigil Mass

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Presidential candidates Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) were among prominent Nigerians who joined former Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State at a memorial vigil Mass for his late mother, Mary Orduah-Amaechi, in Port Harcourt on Friday.

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The Mass was held at the Corpus Christi Cathedral of the Catholic Church in Port Harcourt ahead of the burial of Mrs Amaechi, who died at the age of 89.

Mr Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Other dignitaries spotted at the Mass, streamed live on Facebook, included former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, and the governorship candidate of NDC in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs

Titi Abubakar, wife of the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and others had earlier arrived in Port Harcourt for the burial.

Amaechi’s mother died at 89

Mrs Amaechi died peacefully on Thursday, 16 July, according to a statement issued by her son’s media office.

The family described her as a devout Christian who devoted her life to her family, community and God.

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The late matriarch was also described as a community and Christian leader who was widely respected for her kindness, warmth and support for those around her.

Following her death, the family appreciated friends, supporters, and well-wishers for their condolences and prayers.

Mrs Amaechi will be buried on Saturday at Ubima, their ancestral home in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The gathering at Friday’s vigil brought together political figures from various opposition platforms, including Mr Obi and Mr Duke, as well as associates of Mr Amaechi and the ADC presidential candidate.

Mr Amaechi served as the speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 and subsequently governed the state for two terms between 2007 and 2015. He later served as the transportation minister from 2015 to 2023.