Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described Madam Obebhatein Jonathan, the departed elder sister of former President Goodluck Jonathan as an upright woman who lived a selfless and exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Governor Diri made the remark during a service of songs held in her honour at Otuoke, on Thursday, which had several notable personalities including his predecessor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Seriake Dickson and former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe in attendance.
Other dignitaries included Wife of the Governor, Dr Gloria Diri, former First Lady ,Dame Patience Jonathan, the former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, ex-military Governor of Bayelsa State, Colonel Paul Edor Obi, former minister of information, Mr Labaran Maku, his finance counterpart, Mrs Nenadi Usman, and Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Governor Diri condoled the Jonathan’s family and the people of Otuoke and Akipelai communities over the loss of their illustrious daughter, urging them to take solace in the fact that she lived to attain the biblical age of 70 before passing onto eternity.
He reminded the loved ones of late Madam Obebhatein, particularly the Jonathan and Afeni families that death is no respecter of age or person, and therefore, enjoined them to be strong and preserve the positive legacy that their daughter, sister and mother had left behind.
Governor Diri, who used the opportunity to appreciate the leaders, people and friends of the state for their massive presence at his second term inauguration, prayed God to grant the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss.
He said “We condole the Afeni and Jonathan families. We were not there when she was given, and we were not also there when she was taken.
“Although Madam Obebhatein attained the biblical three score and ten years, we mourn because she had not fulfilled one assignment before she left us; the assignment of burying her own aged mother. But we cannot blame her because she has no power to say no to her Creator.
“From all the testimonies so far, it is obvious that she lived a selfless life, so man’s judgement is in her favour. Since the voice of the people is the voice of God, God’s judgement too is in her favour.”
In his exhortation titled “Nothing Can Separate Us From God’s Love”,drawn from Romans 8:36 to 39, Bishop of Niger Delta West Diocese, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Nixon Enekeme, charged the congregation to live for Christ in order to gain their souls for eternity.
Bishop Enekeme, who pointed out that it was only when the Christian faithful live their lives to positively impact on others that they truly live for Christ, added that the departed Madam Obebhatein Jonathan lived selflessly and impacted many lives.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the family, former President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and all the dignitaries who came from far and near to support the family.
Dr. Jonathan, who said the death of his elder sister had truly humbled him and the family, however, remarked that the large number of sympathizers had given the entire family a lot of courage and fortitude to overcome their trying moment.