First lady eulogises late President of Ijaw National Congress

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has lauded late Senator Tari Sekibo’s contributions to the Ijaw Nation, describing it as selfless.

Sekibo, 74, the immediate past President of Ijaw National Congress, died on November 18, 2013.

Jonathan made the remark at funeral in honour of Sekibo at the St, Peter’s Cathedral, (Anglican Communion) in Okrika, Rivers State.

The First Lady said: “He lived a life of selfless service to the Ijaw nation and the country at large.

“He was very dependable.

“He did not succumb to financial inducement.”

Jonathan said further that the late Sekibo was her inspiration and mentor.

She said: “When you see me champion the cause of the Okrika people, I am only following in his (Sekibo) footsteps.

“Indeed, he was a bridge builder, disciplinarian and a peace maker.

“His death is a painful loss to the Ijaw nation; we cannot question God.

“I pray that we will have someone like him again and may he rest in perfect peace.”

Also, President Goodluck Jonathan in a condolence letter described the late Sekibo as a true patriot and committed Ijaw son.

President Jonathan said in the letter: “My heart especially goes out to his immediate family as well as his larger family of compatriots.

“And fellow travellers in the quest for the entrenchment of harmony, equity and justice in our land.

“As painful as his demise must be, the family can be consoled by the fact that his life must have been further enriched by his personal accomplishments.”

Some of the Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd); former Governor of Bayelsa State, DSP Alamesiagha; and former Minister of State for Education, Chief Nysom Wike.

The late Sekibo was a medical doctor by training.

He cut his political teeth when he was elected to represent Bonny 11 Constituency in the House of Representatives between 1979 and 1983.

He was elected a senator in 1983.

He was married with six children.