By Ken Afor
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the political class to reflect on why they engage in the struggle for power without using it to positively impact the lives of the people they serve.
He emphasized the importance for the political class in Nigeria to reconsider their approach to seeking power.
He observed that despite intense efforts to gain power, those in positions of authority often fail to utilize it effectively for the betterment of society.
Governor Fubara spoke at the funeral service held in honor of the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, his wife, late Chizoba, and son, late Chizi, who died in a fatal helicopter crash in the United States of America last month.
The funeral service took place at the Lion of Judah Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, located in Isiokpo Town in the Ikwerre Local Government Area, on a Saturday.
Governor Fubara highlighted that the tragic loss of Wigwe, who wielded significant financial influence and even controlled politicians, could not ultimately control life itself.
He said: “That takes me to the next question. This has to do with the political class. What is all this struggle all about? You want to kill, you want to bury. What is it all about?
“This is a man, he is not a politician. He made his money through us, our investment. He had the world in his palm, financially. He controlled even the political class.
“But today, with all the power financially, he couldn’t control life. Is it not enough for us to ask ourselves, why are we struggling?
“Why are we not making it happen in the life of our people. Please, political class, let’s go home with that question and reflect on it.”
Governor Fubara noted that the three deceased persons, Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, and their son, Chizi, made significant and impactful contributions to society during the relatively short time they were alive.
While reflecting on the question of the meaning of life during the funeral service, Fubara said that life is not measured by the number of years lived but by the impact made during that time.
According to him, despite the short time they lived, Wigwe, his wife, and their son are celebrated for the significant contributions they made to humanity. He emphasized the importance of living a purposeful and impactful life.
He added: “While the preaching was going on, I had this question that was going through my mind, it is, what is life all about?
“Yesterday night, we sang a hymn, ‘Fading away like that stars of the morning’, and I have come to the conclusion that life is not the one million years that you lived. But that even if we spent an hour, let the hour be impactful.
“Here lie our brother, his wife and the son. Everyone has come to celebrate them. It means even the short period that he lived, he lived an impactful life. He had made a great contribution to humanity.”
Governor Fubara pledged that the state government would honour and preserve the legacy of the late Herbert Wigwe, especially regarding the university he envisioned.
He emphasized collaboration between the state government and the Herbert Wigwe Foundation to uphold the late Herbert Wigwe’s vision for the university.
Additionally, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his support and contributions to the events leading up to the burial of the three late Wigwes.
Governor Fubara also expressed gratitude to Aliko Dangote, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Group, for his multiple roles and contributions that facilitated the success of the late Wigwe’s funeral.
On his part, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, speaking on behalf of the federal government, highlighted the profound impact of the late Wigwe, acknowledging his remarkable financial leadership.
He emphasized the importance of the banking sector to the success of the political class, stating that Nigerians, the political class, and African leaders will mourn the loss of such an iconic figure.
In his sermon, Pastor Adesoji Oni, Vice Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Rivers State, emphasized that God’s actions, behavior, and thoughts are beyond human understanding, and He orchestrates events beyond human comprehension.
He reflected on the painful passing of the late Herbert Wigwe, highlighting that death is an inevitable part of life, with its timing remaining unknown to all.
Pastor Oni urged the congregation to prioritize establishing a relationship with God during their lifetime to secure eternal life.
