The oil rich city of Warri today stood still for the Late Senator Pius Ewherido who represented Delta Central Senatorial district till June 30th, 2013, as he made his final journey home to his Creator.
Eminent Nigerians, including some governors, the Senate President, top APC chieftains and others thronged to the funeral mass held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Warri.
The main Warri/Sapele Road where the Church was located, according to our correspondent, Francis Sadhere was shut down for several hours for the departed Senator.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State, and Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State attended the funeral mass.
The Delta State SSG, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and members of the State House of Assembly also graced the funeral mass.
Others include; the Senate President, David Mark, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and other senators were also in attendance to pay their final respect to their departed colleague who died on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at the National Hospital, Abuja.
Francis Sadhere also reports that the body of the late Senator was wheeled into the church filled to capacity at about 11:13 am.
In his Homily, Rev. Father (Dr) Anamali, held that the death of Senator Ewherido came to all as a great shock.
He said; “We gathered here today not to question the will of God. In our pains in the lost of our great brother, we have no one to turn to but the lord. As we come to Him with our pains and in the midst of confusion, Jesus our lord is telling us that we should not let our heart be troubled. Late Senator Ewherido has gone to the place prepared for him by God from the foundation.”
He added; “We will continue to offer masses for our departed brother. We cannot count the many things he did while alive; but he made himself poor for others to be comfortable. He brought himself low and never hesitated to meet the needs of the churches. He was one family man that cared for his wife, children and relations and others. Senator Ewherido lived a good life. We have lost a great friend. He was a rare gift from God. His dream for the nation will never die. He worked so hard for his country and so cannot die in vain. Now he is at peace with his creator.”
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Senator David Mark, both arrived the venue at exactly 11.54 am in their various tributes, described the death of Senator Ewherido as very painful.
They said he lived a life worth emulating, promising to stand by the family of the late Senator.
Speaking to our correspondent at the end of the funeral mass, former Delta State Education Commissioner, Dr. (Mrs.) Veronica Ogbuagu said the Urhobo nation has lost a rare gem, saying that: “We are all going to miss the late Senator. He meant well for the Urhobo nation.”
The Bishop of Warri Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. (Dr) John Okeoghene Afareha, urged all to take heart at the passage of Senator Ewherido whom he described as a devoted Catholic and a true Nigerian.
The elder brother of the late Senator, Rev. Father Anthony Ewherido of SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan, Oyo State, described his brother as God’s gift to mankind, saying that “And it is most fitting that we return him to God today (yesterday).”
While imploring the Senate to urgently pass the Corporate Manslaughter Bill sponsored by the late Senator, he expressed gratitude to the Church, the State Government, the Senate and the entire people for the show of love.
Others who attended the Ceremony were Chief Tom Ikimi, former Edo State Governor, Chief John Oyegun, Hon. Leo Ogor, Senator James Manager, and a sea of others.
The body of the late Senator, popularly known as Gogorogo, was later taken to his home town, Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State for interment.
