Ameachi steals show at President's mother-in-law's burial
By Daniel Abia / P/Harcourt
Goodluck Jonathan
In an apparent response to the avalanche of criticisms leveled against his administration mainly by the opposition political parties and some breakaway members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that he is not moved by such criticisms.
In a short speech he delivered at the burial of his late mother in-law, Madam Charity Fyneface Oba, in Okrika Friday, Jonathan said people were free to criticize him but what really matters "is the posterity.
"If you like, criticise from the front or from the left, or from the right, or even from the back, what is important is to be focused. Do that which you must do. Make sure you do what is right and appropriate. And don't be despaired because of criticisms.
"We all must die one day. So, we should do all we can do to contribute to the good and happiness of mankind. We are here to celebrate my mother-in-law today because she stood for my wife and today, my wife is a product of the good deeds of Charity Oba."
According to him, "as a political leader, I urge Nigerians to do all they can to contribute to the growth and development of the country. I am not saying that you should not criticise your leaders, but try and do something meaningful on your own.
"I have said it before that I am the most criticised Nigerian president. I habour no ill feelings against criticisms, but let me state here and now that I am more concerned about what I can do to move Nigeria forward. I will do what is just, right and necessary. I am more concerned about what posterity will say about me and my efforts in transforming Nigeria."
The President used the occasion to enjoin Nigerians to imbibe the attitude of doing good at all times irrespective of criticisms against them, adding that his late mother in-law was a woman of high virtue who lived an exemplary life.
He however promised to lead the country with the fear of God irrespective of what people may say about him.
Earlier in his sermon, the officiating Minister, Prof Simon Nworah charged Nigerians to be good to one another.
Preaching on the topic "The Will", Nworah of the Mountain of Yahweh Covenant Synagogue World Wide extolled the virtues of late Madam Oba.
In her tribute, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan confessed that her late mother "laboured in love to make me what I am today."
She said the deceased "raised me from a tender age until I was able to stand on the world's stage. You taught me right from wrong and made me virtuous and strong."
Meanwhile, the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi was the cynosure of all eyes at the colorful event as he performed an emotional dance to the rendition of a popular gospel artiste, Yinka Ayefele.
The governor who was close to tears, danced to the admiration of the crowd that graced the occasion though no member of his cabinet was present at the event.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included the Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo, PDP national chairman, Bamanga Tukur, Senate President, David Mark, House of Reps deputy speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, Secretary to the Federal Government, Anyim Pius Anyim, Governors of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Anambra states.
National Assembly members, Ministers and members of the diplomatic Corp, among many others also graced the occasion.
