- By Halimah Olamide
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara on Saturday put the the sobering mood of a burial aside to throw some political jabs at each other.
The exchange of words took place as eminent guests gathered to give their final respect to the late CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chisoba and son, Chizzy in Isokpo Ikwere Local Government Area of River state.
While speaking, Fubara had said that there was nothing worthy in power that is worth struggling killing for.
“There’s nothing to struggle for in life….”-Governor Fubara Had said.
Though Fubara was speaking about the vanity of life in relation to the death of Wigwe and his family members, not a few in attendance saw through his speech as another veiled defence to the political crisis in the state.
Fubara has been at loggerheads with his predecessor Nyesom Wike.
READ ALSO:
Wigwe, Wife, Son Laid To Rest In Isiokpo
Politicians, Corporate Giants Attend Wigwe’s Final Burial in Rivers
Bodies of Wigwe, Wife Son Arrive Hometown for Final Burial
But while delivering his speech, Akpabio had directly responded to Fubara who said there is nothing in power that is worth struggling for.
He had told a story of how he once sought to become a Deputy Governor where an incumbent claimed there was nothing in the position.
He said despite claims that the position had not financial benefits, the then occupant had resisted relinquishing the position at the time.
”So, Governor Fubara, if there is nothing in the struggle, please don’t struggle,” Akpabio had told Fubara
However, Pastor Peter Bawo, when reacting to the comments, said Governor Fubara had made one of the most profound statements at the funeral.
He said the comment by the governor emphasized the need to be humble since those who struggle for everything today will one day struggle out one day.
The exchange of words has however been greeted with condemnation by many who felt that playing politics in an atmosphere of funeral was disrespectful to the dead.