May 5, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday, joined other prominent Bayelsans, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, to pay his last respect to the late Queen Gladys Daukoru, wife of the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, His Eminence, King Edmund Dakoru.
The Governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, during the funeral programme at the King Koko’s Square, Nembe, said the departed Queen Dakoru lived a positively impactful life, adding that she contributed to the development of not only Nembe but the entire state.
While admitting that a huge vacuum had been created by her exit at the prime age of 55, the Bayelsa Governor, however, called on the Daukoro family and the entire people of Nembe Kingdom to take solace in the deceased’s legacy of impactful life.
Speaking during his visit to the Palace of the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, Governor Diri said the State Government was saddened by the death of Queen Dakoru, who was a true mother in the state.
He noted that losing a loved one at any age is always a traumatic and painful experience, but prayed to God to comfort King Daukoru and members of the royal family.
In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Queen Daukoru as a virtuous woman who promoted peace and unity among the people of Nembe kingdom, adding that she symbolised the very embodiment of hope and selfless service.
Jonathan, who noted that the loss of a spouse was a painful experience, urged the family to find consolation in the late Queen’s impactful life while she lived.
Responding, the husband of the deceased and Mingi of Nembe, His Eminence, King Edmund Daukoru, thanked Governor Diri and his entourage for their support and physical presence in Nembe for the funeral ceremony in honour of his departed wife.
King Daukoru also appreciated the Governor for prudent management of scarce resources, which he noted had enabled the Prosperity Administration to embark on impactful development projects in all three senatorial districts of the state.
He expressed hope that “with the political will, commitment and interest the Governor has shown towards the construction of the Nembe-Brass Road so far”, the project would be completed and put to use in record time.
The Royal Father prayed to God to grant Governor Diri and his Deputy, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, the wisdom, strength, initiative and kind heart to expand the frontiers of development in the state.
He said: “Honestly, I can’t thank you enough because apart from the condolence visit you paid earlier, you have taken time to come for the actual internment processes.
“We are very happy with you and this relationship will last as long as life endures. We are also happy with you because of the development you are bringing to us; in a short time, there will be a road to Brass.”
Prominent Bayelsans present at the funeral service were Speaker Abraham Ingobere and members of the State House of Assembly, former deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd), Ambassador Godknows Igali and an elder statesman, Chief Ephraim Faloughi.
Others include the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Abrakasa-Ayemieye; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah; Head of Service, Dame Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, Commissioners and several traditional rulers.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
