Jonathan Urges Politicians to Leave Positive Legacy at Bayelsa Chief Judge’s Husband’s Funeral

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged political leaders to live lives worthy of remembrance, warning against the abuse of power, violence and the pursuit of political ambition at the expense of human lives.

Jonathan gave the advice on Wednesday during the funeral service of Elder Freeman Ayemieye, husband of the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, at Saint Peter’s Deanery in Yenagoa.

The former president attended the ceremony alongside Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, their wives and judicial officers from across the country, who gathered to pay their last respects to the late Anglican layreader.

In his tribute, Jonathan described the deceased as a man who lived a meaningful life, citing his biography and testimonies from the church’s Men’s Fellowship as evidence of his contributions to the church and community.

He said funeral ceremonies offered an important reminder that everyone would eventually die, urging political leaders to consider the legacy they would leave behind.

Jonathan questioned whether politicians would be remembered for their contributions to society or for the lives lost and properties destroyed in the pursuit of electoral victories.

He warned that some politicians behaved as though they owned the world, Nigeria or even their families, particularly as political activities intensified ahead of elections.

According to him, “no matter how powerful you are, if you got lost today, nobody will remember you; nobody cares. Nobody should think that he owned the world, Nigeria or even his own family. Sometimes, you will be surprised that some of your children might not even vote for you. That is the funny thing about politics.”

Governor Diri, in his tribute, recalled how the late Ayemieye supported his wife during her appointment as Bayelsa State Chief Judge.

Diri said he had not known the deceased before that period but developed a positive impression of him through their interactions and the testimonies shared at the funeral.

The governor also praised the relationship between his administration and the judiciary, attributing the state’s achievements to cooperation among the executive, legislature and judicial arms of government.

He further acknowledged the support the late Ayemieye provided to his wife, saying the stability of their home contributed to her ability to carry out her responsibilities as Chief Judge.

Preaching on the theme, “Seeking God’s Kingdom,” the Bishop of the Anglican Church’s Niger Delta West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Nexon Enekeme, urged Christians not to become consumed by the pursuit of titles, positions and material wealth.

He reminded worshippers that such achievements would not accompany anyone beyond the grave, encouraging them to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness above material possessions.

Speaking on behalf of the deceased’s family, the immediate past Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, described Ayemieye as a peaceful man whose life attracted mourners from different parts of Bayelsa State.

Walson-Jack said she shared a close relationship with the Ayemieye family, having lived with them, and considered it an honour to speak on their behalf.

She also recalled that, through her encouragement, the deceased became president of the Port Harcourt branch of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship, citing his strong commitment to his Christian faith.

She thanked Jonathan, Diri and their wives for their support, prayers and encouragement during the family’s difficult period. She also appreciated the Niger Delta West Diocese, chief judges from other states and other dignitaries who travelled to Bayelsa to honour the deceased.