From Alaba Abdulrazaq and Mobolaji Ajibuwa
THE number and quality of persons and dignitaries that graced the funeral service
for Madam Mariah Taiwo Abati, by Yoruba belief and tradition, are enough indices to conclude that the occasion was a befitting one and could make one to safely suggest that the soul of the departed would safely make heaven.
The caliber of the surviving children of Madam Taiwo Abati, prominent among whom is Dr. Reuben Abati, the Nigerian presidential spokesperson, by academic and political achievement also lend credence to that feeling.
The roll call of dignitaries at the occasion include Chief Emeka Anyaokwu, former secretary-general of the commonwealth of nations; Mr. Labaran Maku, the minister of information; Chief Mike Ogiadomen, the chief of staff to President Goodluck Jonathan; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and his predecessor, Chief Gbenga Daniel.
There were other dignitaries at the funeral service which held at the historic St. John’s Anglican Church at Igbehin, Isale Egba in Abeokuta. Right-Reverend Emmanuel Adekunle presided.
In the last three days during which Abeokuta has almost become a pilgrimage destination, some things have become very obvious:
The rumors and low echoes of an imminent sack of Dr. Reuben Abati as senior special adviser to the President Goodluck Jonathan, often spread by certain young turks operating at the fringe of the presidency, seem unfounded. The rumor merchants went to town on Friday claiming that the absence of President Goodluck Jonathan at the church service held at St. John’s Anglican Church was enough proof that Dr. Abati was on his way out of the president’s kitchen cabinet, although it turned out that the President was on an official trip to the neighboring country of Togo.
But as providence would have it, Dr. Jonathan himself rode into Abeokuta on Saturday and came straight to the Abati’s compound after first meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. President Jonathan described Dr. Abati as a member of the first family. It was good proof that not everyone working in Aso Rock presidential villa actually knows the inner workings of the State House.
The Abati mom’s funeral also demonstrated that one could still actively seat in an average Nigerian church and be afforded the undiluted word of God.
It was a funeral, yes. But the congregation was offered an opportunity for a relational restitution for now and the hereafter. Bishop Adekunle captured one of the expectations of Nigerians and the international community by speaking truth to the conscience of the political leaders as he called for a requisite mental check-up for prospective political leaders in Nigeria. He noted that the kind of violence being perpetrated by lawmakers in Rivers State and the conduct of some of the elected officials of the country really bordered on the conduct of sick minds.
A demonstration of the psychotic conduct of some of Nigeria’s elected officials would later find an immediate open display in Governor Ibikunle Amosu. The officiating bishop had handed the microphone over to Dr. Reuben Abati to express gratitude to God and the other distinguished in the church. The presidential media scribe made the rounds until a loud and long ovation greeted his introduction of former Governor Daniel of Ogun. It became a popularity contest of sort. Abati allowed everything to die down before continuing the acknowledgment. The popular reaction from the congregation to the introduction of Gbenga Daniel unpredictably drew the anger of Governor Ibikunle Amosun when the opportunity came for him to handle the mic, accusing the church of allowing politics. Amosun said that if there was to be a popularity contest, it should be allowed to hold outside the church where, according to him, masses would decide.
Several heads reasoned that judgment ought to have started from the house of God: Ibikunle Amosun should be tied and taken to Aro Psychiatric Hospital for examination. Beyond eatery and drinks that provided on the menu, President Jonthan advised parents to raise their wards properly and that Dr. Abati was an example of a properly raised child.
The president later visited the Abati home in the town where he mingled with the family amid his condolence visit.
“We must come and greet our brothers and sisters to express our condolence and to encourage the family,” the president said. Those of us who are Christians, the Bible says that we are supposed to live three scores and 10. So any number of years above that three scores and 10 is a blessing”
“So, for her to have lived to that ripe age, her departure should be celebrated and not mourned. So, our being here is to encourage them and to reassure the family that we are together and we’ll continue to be together”.