By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh
The quiet town of Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State was turned into a carnival of sorts as high-profile political figures, community leaders, and thousands of well-wishers gathered for the funeral Mass of Late Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, mother of former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubima, the solemn occasion drew an array of dignitaries, close friends, and political associates across party lines to pay their last respects to the late matriarch. Among those in attendance were former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former governors, serving and former lawmakers, as well as prominent political leaders from across the nation.
Delivering the homily, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, issued a stern reminder on the true purpose of public leadership, warning that political activity turns hazardous when leaders lose sight of the people they serve.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Eluke highlighted the immense weight placed on individuals in governance, emphasising that political authority must be rooted in service to humanity rather than the pursuit of personal power.
“There are responsibilities that public life places upon a person. There are people who expect strength from you. There are moments when you are expected to speak, to decide, to lead and to reassure others.”
The cleric reminded leaders that behind every public office lies a human being who is equally subject to grief, human limitations, and eventual mortality.
Reflecting on the demise of the late matriarch, Bishop Eluke noted that every funeral serves as an unwritten sermon to the living, urging leaders and citizens alike to consider the legacy they will leave behind.
“The dead preach to the living without saying a word. Every funeral is a sermon; every casket, a reminder; and every tombstone, a message to the living. Life is brief, precious, and purposeful. One day, our journey will end, and what will remain is the legacy we leave behind; the lives we touched, the love we shared, and the good we accomplished.”
He cautioned that power, position, and public applause cannot offer genuine comfort or lasting fulfillment if governance is divorced from the welfare of the people.
Turning to the grieving family, Bishop Eluke offered words of spiritual comfort, noting that expressing grief is a natural reflection of love rather than a lack of faith.
“Your tears are not a failure of faith. Your tears are evidence of love… The Church permits you to grieve. You do not have to be strong every moment. You can be a son. You can mourn. You can remember. You can pray.”
Bishop Eluke concluded the homily by leaving the congregation with a profound question: “What are you doing with your life?” as he charged everyone present to build lives anchored on love, service, and devotion to God.
