Former Rivers State Commissioner for Works and Leader of the Rainbow Coalition in Umuselem Clan, Etche LGA, Hon. Engr. Austen Ben Chioma, DSSRS, JP, FCAI, on Saturday joined other dignitaries at Umuechem Community in Etche Local Government Area for the burial of Late Elder Michael Onwuka Nwaonugha.
Late Elder Nwaonugha was the father of Hon. Reginald Onwuka, PhD, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Etche LGA.
Hon. Chioma, who is also the Leader of the Rainbow Coalition Family in Odufor Ward 8, was accompanied by members of his political family. He described his presence as a demonstration of love, solidarity and respect for the bereaved family.
Speaking at the burial, the former commissioner who is fondly called ABC by his admirers, said the gathering was in line with Biblical injunction.
"The Bible admonishes us to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn," he said.
He prayed God to grant the family divine comfort.
"The God of all comfort will comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God," Hon. Chioma added.
He further stated that true leadership transcends titles and political positions.
"Leadership is not just about titles and positions. It is about humanity, compassion, friendship and standing with people in their moments of grief," he said.
Hon. Chioma prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late elder and asked God to give Hon. Reginald Onwuka and the entire Nwaonugha family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The solemn ceremony attracted political leaders, community chiefs, elders, women and youths from across Etche and beyond, who came to pay their last respects and commiserate with the family.
