By Kelvin Ololo
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has joined family members, dignitaries and well-wishers in Cross River State to mourn and celebrate the life of Sir Benedict Apie Obi, father of former Bayelsa State Military Administrator, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi (Rtd).
Jonathan attended the funeral ceremony at Irruan, Boki Local Government Area, where he joined the Obi family in paying tribute to the late centenarian, who died at the age of 100.
In a message shared on his verified Facebook page, Jonathan said he was pleased to stand with Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi, his family and other mourners during the ceremony.
He described the late Sir Benedict as a man whose century-long life was devoted to his family, community, country and faith, while praying for the repose of his soul and strength for the bereaved family.
The funeral also drew attention from Bayelsa State because of the role played by the deceased’s son, Paul Edor Obi, who served as the state’s Military Administrator during its formative years.
Recent reports said Jonathan and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri paid tribute to the former administrator and his late father during the ceremony.
Jonathan’s presence in Boki thus brought a national dimension to the Cross River funeral, linking the state’s rural community with a former Nigerian president and the political history of neighbouring Bayelsa State.
“May God grant him eternal rest and grant the family the strength and comfort to bear his loss,” Jonathan prayed in his message.
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