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The former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has expressed his grief over the passing of his elder sister, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan, during her funeral in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, on Friday.
Jonathan, who was in London when he received the news of her passing, described her death as devastating.
Madam Obebhatein, had passed away at age 70 on January 11, 2024, leaving behind Jonathan as her only surviving sibling from their aged mother, Mama Eunice Afeni-Jonathan.
Jonathan lamented that his sister's passing occurred at a time when a large gathering of high-profile personalities could gather in Otuoke to pay their respects.
Speaking at the funeral, Jonathan expressed his sorrow that it was their aged mother who was mourning her death, noting the pain of losing her first child, who would have been expected to mourn her when the time came.
He thanked the Bayelsa State First Lady and other women who supported his mother during this difficult time.
Jonathan called on the clergy and people of goodwill to continue praying for his mother, himself, and the entire Jonathan family, acknowledging the trauma his mother was going through.
In his remarks, Governor Diri, represented by his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, expressed the state government's condolences to the Jonathan family, especially Mama Eunice Jonathan. He reminded the gathering that death is inevitable for all, emphasizing the importance of what follows after death.
Recall that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan served as Nigeria's president from 2010 - 2015, he had previously served under the Yar'Adua administration as the vice president of Nigeria. He lost the 2015 presidential election to ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari.
