…says Nigeria owes Mrs. Mary Amaechi debt of gratitude
By Chucks Nwonye
Former Vice President and 2027 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mrs. Mary Amaechi, mother of his running mate and former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
In a condolence message released on his official social media pages, Atiku described the late Mrs. Amaechi as a devout Christian whose life of faith, discipline and selfless service left a lasting imprint on her family, community and the country at large.
The ADC presidential candidate said Nigeria remains “deeply indebted” to Mrs. Amaechi for raising one of the nation’s most prominent public servants.
“I join the family, friends and Associates of His Excellency, Rotimi Amaechi, our Vice Presidential Candidate in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in mourning the passing of his beloved mother, Mrs. Mary Amaechi,” Atiku wrote.
According to him, the deceased lived an exemplary Christian life marked by devotion to God, faithful worship and constant outreach to those around her.
“She was a mother to all who crossed her path, and Nigeria remains deeply indebted to her memory for raising one of our outstanding Statesmen and great Patriots, His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation,” Atiku added.
The former Vice President prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant strength to the bereaved family.
“I pray that God grants her beautiful soul eternal rest, and comforts the family, friends and loved ones she has left behind,” he concluded.
While details of Mrs. Amaechi’s burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family, tributes that have poured in since news of her passing broke describe her as a quiet but firm matriarch who prioritized education, integrity and community values in raising her children.
Political associates of the Amaechi family in Rivers State recall her regular presence at church programmes and community gatherings in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area, where she was known for her humility and generosity.
Her son, Rotimi Amaechi, served two terms as Governor of Rivers State between 2007 and 2015 and later as Minister of Transportation under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2022. He is widely credited with driving major rail and port projects during his tenure at the federal ministry.
The condolence message comes at a time when both Atiku and Amaechi are positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections under the banner of the ADC.
Atiku, who served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and has contested the presidency several times, emerged as the ADC’s 2027 Presidential Candidate. The party recently announced Amaechi as its Vice Presidential Candidate, a pairing that party leaders say combines national experience with executive track record in infrastructure and governance.
In his message, Atiku linked Mrs. Amaechi’s personal values directly to the public service record of her son, noting that the discipline and patriotism associated with the former minister can be traced to his upbringing.
Leaders across party lines have also sent messages of sympathy to the Amaechi family. Many described Mrs. Amaechi as a stabilizing figure whose prayers and counsel were sought by relatives and constituents alike.
The ADC is expected to issue a formal statement in the coming days, while sympathizers continue to visit the Amaechi family residence to pay their respects.
