Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration readiness to continually defend the mandate freely given to him by the people.
Speaking at the burial of Mrs. Erefori Nawa Basi Maeba, the mother of Senator Lee Maeba, in Luuwa, Khana Local Government Area on Saturday, November 30, 2024, the governor said the interest of the people is important to his administration.
Gov. Fubara said: “The government under our watch will continue to make and take the interest of our people very important.
“We will not play or jeopardize this support and this mandate that you are giving to us and we will defend it and make you proud”.
The governor called on children to always obey their parents before their death saying it was not enough to celebrate them at death.
He said: “We are here to celebrate Mama to say farewell. But I have a question and it is to the family. When Mama was alive I hope you had a relationship, friendship and respect for Mama so much that when you are angry and offended and Mama called you and said it was okay my son, you stopped.
“Did you have that limit? Were you obeying her like that? Because it is not just enough for us to come here to celebrate her in death. We should when our parents are alive honour them that is the most important thing”.
But the governor said following the remarks of Senator Lee Maeba, it was obvious that he had a relationship with his late mother.
“So, I am happy because the word of God says it is honourable to be in the house of those mourning than to be in the house of those feasting, that is why I am happy that I am here. Not that I am happy that mama is dead, but I am happy to be here to witness the laying to rest somebody who led a good life”, he said
The governor commended those that came to support Senator Maeba adding that people would always be remembered by the positive impact they made while they were alive.
He said: “There is nothing so important or special than to lead a fulfilled life. It is not the number of years but the value that is added to that life that affects people when you are alive.
“Let me thank the elders that have come to support our brother. Let me thank the guests that have come from far and near to support this family, God will meet you at your point of need.
Earlier, the Chief mourner of the family, Senator Lee Maeba thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other well-meaning Nigerians for coming to honour his late mother adding that his family is a peaceful but courageous one.
He reminisced about the memory of his mother who lived 94 years and had been a binding force of the family until her death in early September.
Amongst those who graced the occasion include governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, Speaker Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, former governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, former National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and a former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo.
