Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has advised politicians to shun anti-party politics whenever they are not favoured by the collective decision of the organs of a political party.
In a funeral oration at the burial of a former House of Representatives member, the late Ovunda Nsirim in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Saturday , Governor Wike said that anti-party activities weaken the coherence of political parties.
He praised the late Nsirim for being a politician with a difference who believed in party supremacy and was never involved in anti-party activities even if decisions went against him.
The governor said that respect for party’s supremacy is necessary for the deepening of democracy.
He said: “Ovunda Nsirim never played anti-party whether or not the decision of the party favoured him. He believed in party supremacy “.
He called on the people of Rumueme Kingdom to use the death of Nsirim to promote unity ìn the community.
Wike said that generosity was one of the virtues of the late politician. He said that virtue runs through the Nsirim family.
His words: “Ovunda Nsirim was a good man. He deserves a good burial for his contributions to the state. ”
Former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President, Chief Okey Wali, said that the late Nsirim would be missed for his commitment to friendship, mentorship and development.
He announced that a foundation would be established in honour of the late Nsirim to organise annual lectures on mentorship.
In his sermon, Bishop Loveday Peter urged people to look on to Jesus to help in building their lives.
The burial was witnessed by National and State Assembly members, members of the Rivers State Executive Council, politicians from different political parties, traditional rulers and clerics.