PORT HARCOURT (Sundiata Post) – Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has advised politicians to shun anti-party politics whenever they are not favoured by the collective decision of the organs of a political party.
In a funeral oration at the burial of a former House of Representatives Member, Hon. Ovunda Nsirim in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Saturday, Governor Wike said that anti-party activities weaken the coherence of political parties.
He praised the late Ovunda Nsirim for being a politician with a difference who believed in party supremacy and was never involved in anti-party activities even if decisions went against him.
The governor said that respect for party’s supremacy is necessary for the deepening of democracy.
He said: “Ovunda Nsirim never played anti-party whether or not the decision of the party favoured him. He believed in party supremacy “.
He called on the people of Rumueme Kingdom to use the death of Ovunda Nsirim to promote unity ìn the community.
Governor Wike said generosity was one of the virtues of the late politician. He said that virtue runs through the Nsirim family.
He said: “Ovunda Nsirim was a good man. He deserves a good burial for his contributions to the state. ”
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Okey Wali said the late Ovunda Nsirim will be missed for his commitment to friendship, mentorship and development.
He announced that a foundation would be established in honour of Ovunda Nsirim to organise annual lectures on mentorship.
In his sermon, Bishop Loveday Peter urged people to look on to Jesus to help in building their lives.
The burial was witnessed by National and State Assembly members, members of the Rivers State Executive Council, politicians from different political parties, traditional rulers and clerics.