Wike, Amaechi, Odili, 4 Govs bid farewell to late Rivers AG

Despite the fact that the former Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the late Emmanuel Aguma (SAN’s) sun set at noon, promiment Nigerians across political, social, and economic divides gathered at the Saint Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Port Harcourt, for his solemn funeral service on Sunday afternoon after his burial on Saturday.

The Solemn Funeral Service marked by prayers and transitional hymns was formally kick-started by the heart-touching reading of the late Rivers AG Biography by his daughter, Miss Onyinyechi Aguma, who stood alongside her mother, Mrs. Inime Aguma, as they sang a hymn that ushered Aguma into the presence of God.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his counterparts from four states: Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) honoured the late Aguma with their presence.

Also present at the Sunday’s church service were the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi; former Rivers State Governors, Peter Odili, and Celestine Omehia.

Former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, Senator Magnus Abe, National and State Assembly members were at the Church to comfort members of the bereaved Aguma family.

In the sermon at the thanksgiving service, Archbishop of Anglican Province of Niger Delta, Most Rev. Tunde Adeleye, urged all Nigerians to work towards living according to the desires of God in order to inherit eternal life.

Archbishop Adeleye prayed God to comfort the leaders of Rivers State, the family of Aguma and forestall such a painful untimely death.

In a funeral oration, Governor Wike noted that the late Rivers AG was instrumental to the massive infrastructural development in the state Judiciary and the Bar.

He announced that the Rivers State Government will re-name the Judges Quarters after the late Aguma when the facility is completed.

Governor Wike also thanked the Aguma family for giving the late Rivers AG to the state for unparalleled service.

He stated that the State Government would not forget the Aguma family. Governor Wike also disclosed that to cement the relationship, the wife of the late RIvers AG will be drafted into the Rivers State Executive Council.

He said: “The late Attorney-General of Rivers State was strong willed and he was loyal to the core. He was a man with character.

“His death is very painful. His service to the state will never be in vain. Having made sacrifices, the State will continue to honour him.”
Earlier on Saturday, the corpse of the late Rivers AG was taken to the hall of Orogbum Community, Rebisi in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area where chiefs and leaders paid tribute to him and repeatedly fired traditional canons.

President General of Orogbum Community Council, Pastor Theophilus Akugbo, said the late Aguma was a peace maker who brokered peace within Ogbum-Nu-Abali community over disputed land issue that threatened the peace of the area.

The remains of the late Rivers State Attoney-General were also taken to his family residence where family chiefs and elders paid their respects at the Obiri Oro-Ede.

His remains were later laid to rest at his family home at Orogbum after graveside prayers and benediction.