Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson, was among personalities, who thronged Umunaga-Uburu Community at the weekend to pay their last respects to late Mrs Margaret Umahi, mother of the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the funeral ceremony, which passed for a mega political rally, had in attendance many dignitaries including the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff; Ondo State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

The Governors of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as members of the party’s National Working Committee, including its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh.

Others include the governors of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Gombe State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo; Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom and members of the National Assembly, including the Senator representing Bayelsa West, Sen. Foster Ogola and Hon. Anayo Chinedu of the House of Representatives.

Speaking on behalf of PDP governors at the wake-keep in Uburu, the hometown of the Umahis, Governor Dickson said that although most of them might not have had close personal relationship with the deceased before her passage, the large turn-out of people from all walks of life, indicated that, she lived a life worthy of emulation and celebration.

Describing the late Margaret Umahi as a wonderful and great woman, Dickson maintained that she must have contributed immensely to the success story of the Umahi family through her hard work and effective motherly role she played, in bringing up the governor and other children.

While expressing the condolences of the governors, he said the PDP would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the deceased family to protect and promote the positive legacies she bequeathed.

In his response, Dave Umahi described his mother as a devout Christian and peacemaker, adding that, although, she passed on at the age of 84, late Margaret Umahi would be greatly missed by the entire family and all who crossed her path.

While acknowledging what he described as strong bonding existing among the present crop of governors in the country, Governor Umahi expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the burial programme.

•Photo shows Governor Umahi (right) welcoming Governor Dickson to his mother’s burial in Uburu. With them is PDP National Chairman Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff.

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