At the solemn funeral service of banker Herbert Wigwe, his beloved wife Chizoba, and their son Chizi, held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish in Isiokpo, Rivers State, the atmosphere was tense yet dignified.
Among the distinguished guests were state governors, former governors, and notable business figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose presence added gravity to the occasion.
Governor Fubara, known for his ongoing rift with his predecessor Nyesom Wike, took a moment during the service to address the tumultuous state of politics. He lamented, “What is all this trouble about? You want to kill, you want to bury,” highlighting the acrimony that often characterizes political conflicts.
In response, Senate President Akpabio seized the opportunity to share a poignant anecdote, shedding light on the essence of political struggles. Recalling a past encounter, he recounted, “In 2006, I wanted to be a deputy governor… The then deputy governor… told me, ‘This office has no money. There’s nothing here.’ …So Your Excellency, Governor Fubara, if there’s nothing in the struggle, don’t struggle.”
Amidst the somber reflections and political insights, the focus remained on paying tribute to the departed souls. Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, and their son Chizi, along with former Nigerian Exchange Group chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo, were laid to rest in a private tomb at the newly established Wigwe University.
Their untimely demise, resulting from a tragic helicopter crash near the border between California and Nevada, serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.