By Newsworld

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained his absence from the burial of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, mother of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

Wike said he stayed away from the funeral because Amaechi did not personally inform him about his mother’s death. The FCT Minister made the disclosure during an interview with TVC News, while responding to questions about why he did not attend the September 5, 2026 burial in Ubima, Rivers State, or visit the former governor to offer his condolences.

2027: There Must Be A Cost For Perfect Electoral System – INEC Chairman

According to Wike, given his long political relationship with Amaechi, he expected the former governor to communicate the news of his mother’s death directly to him through a letter, message or telephone call. He said no such communication was received.

“Amaechi never wrote me or told me that he had lost his mother; he never. So I cannot,” Wike said during the interview.

The funeral attracted several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, alongside other serving and former government officials.

Wike and Amaechi have had a longstanding political relationship dating back to their years in Rivers State politics, although their relationship has subsequently been characterised by political disagreements. Amaechi served as Rivers State governor from 2007 to 2015, before Wike succeeded him.

Wike’s comments provide his explanation for his absence from the funeral, amid public attention over the political relationship between the two former Rivers governors.