By John Ikani
It was four months ago that elder statesman and four-time Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alabo Tonye Omubo Graham-Douglas (TOG) departed to the great beyond, about two weeks shy of his 83rd birthday.
Alabo T.O. as he was fondly called, is remembered as the father of New Rivers State, as well as an icon and incredible gift to the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
With his passing on April 25, 2022, Alabo left behind an enduring legacy of selfless service and exemplary leadership for the good of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Which is why the “deliberate” absence of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike at the final funeral rites and internment of Alabo’s remains on Saturday, as well as the indifference of the State Government to the event, drew the ire of many.
Heritage Times (HT) gathered that the indifference was a deliberate ploy masterminded by the Governor to alienate himself, his deputy and the entire Government from the funeral held at Alabo’s home town in Abonnema, Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“Wike’s absence and that of his deputy, Ipalibo Banigo was telling. More telling was the absence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo who hails from Abonnema and is a kinsman to the deceased,” a source familiar with politics in the state confided to HT.
“For an icon who in his lifetime exhibited genuine warmth and affection for Rivers State, it is undeserving that Alabo was not given a state funeral and at worst, shunned by Gov. Wike and his Administration.
“It goes without saying that Wike – who prides himself as an Ikwerre man, – has no respect for Ijaws. His recent action is yet another testament of his hateful disposition to the good people of Ijaw extraction,” the source said.
More findings by HT indicate that the actions of the State Governor may not be unconnected to the close bond that the late Alabo shared with the former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi who is Wike’s political rival.
Ameachi who was present at the funeral did not hesitate to express his disgust at the State Government’s indifference to the event, stressing that it was the height of disrespect and insensitivity.
“When I became Governor, he (TOG) was one of the first key figures and leaders I visited. Alabo and I spoke at length on how to move the state forward.
“Indeed going by the contributions he made to the state, I was thinking that the state would take responsibility for everything concerning Alabo. You don’t need to be Governor to be recognised,“ he said.
Notwithstanding, the funeral of the proud son of the ancient Kalabari Kingdom had in attendance important dignitaries, among whom was Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri who described the deceased as “a colossus who we are all here to pay our last respect.“
Also present at the event were the President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba; The International Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge and former Petroleum Minister, Odein Ajumogoba (SAN).
Others were former 1st Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Chief Timi Alaibe; widow of TOG, Muriel Graham-Douglas and the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Ikechukwu Ikoh.
