By Nwaorgu Faustinus
Late Barrister Ken Atsuwete has been described as the “defender of the defenseless, voice of the voiceless and man of God who won souls for His kingdom.”
Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi stated this at the funeral service for the late legal practitioner, human rights activist and pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, who was killed in Port Harcourt on August 29, 2016.
Amaechi, who was represented by the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, stressed that rather than mourn the exit of Atsuwete, he should be honoured because he fought against injustice and contributed immensely towards a better society.
“Ken served the Lord faithfully, he will live in glory. We should not be mourning, we should be grateful that he impacted on this world within his short time in life. He was a man who believed in a cause and fought doggedly till death.
“Wherever there was injustice, Ken would fight against it. He offered his life so that the rest of us will live. He exhibited the peak of courage. Be assured that the sacrifice Ken has made will bring to an end the unnecessary killings in Rivers State.
“He was not a member of the any political party, he was not a member of APC, yet he offered to defend Ojukaye (Flag Amachree, a member of APC). He gave his all to defend Ojukaye. Injustice, regardless of party affiliation, was something he abhorred. He will not pay the price for nothing,” the Minister stated.
While saying that God will not abandon the family nor suffer any form of frustration, the minister stressed that his death will bear fruit of “justice, peace, harmony and a thriving society.”
The officiating minister at the funeral service, Pastor Grant Alobari of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, quoting from Ecclesiastes 7:1&2 spoke of two important days in the life of man, birth and death.
He said that the deceased lived for the poor and those oppressed, adding that he was “sympathetic, humble and ready to help at all times.”
The cleric said that God “expects us to do what will glorify him,” an injunction he says the deceased carried out till the point of death.
Several dignitaries were present at the occasion including the immediate past Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, members of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society groups, among others.
