Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians to pray for his mother, Eunice Jonathan, who has been left traumatised by the death of her eldest child, Obebhatein.
Speaking at the funeral service of his sister, Obebhatein Jonathan, in Bayelsa, Jonathan said his mother has lost eight of her children and he is now the only surviving child.
He thanked Nigerians who came for the burial and urged them to continue praying for his mother.
He said, “Death, as they say, is something that we all pass through. But the time it comes also matters; yes, we all will die someday but the time matters.
“My elder sister died at a time that we can gather these celebrities to celebrate her, but that our mother is to mourn her is the nasty aspect of the whole thing.
“My mother has lost her first child that ought to mourn her when God calls her. I have to sincerely thank the Bayelsa State First Lady and other women who came around her because I was then in London.
“If you knew what she used to be and what she is now, you would know that she is still traumatized. So continue to pray for my mum. God will see us through. I thank you.”
Obebhatein died on January 11 after a brief illness at the age of 70. The funeral service was attended by several dignitaries, including Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim.
The Bishop of Northern Izon Diocese, Anglican Communion, Right Revd Funkuro Amgbari, exhorted believers to use the Word of God to comfort one another at trying moments including death.
