JONAS EZIEKE, Abuja
Rivers federal lawmaker, Hon Dr. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante, on Saturday laid his late wife, Agnes Nwakaego Abiante, to rest at his family compound in Ukwa Community, Ngo Urban, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, amid tributes that highlighted her humility, support for family and commitment to service.
The funeral drew a large crowd of mourners, including the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, who attended the funeral and participated fully in the service.
Also present were lawmakers from the National Assembly, community leaders, women groups and associates of the bereaved family.
Abiante, who represents Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described his late wife as a pillar of strength and a partner whose influence shaped his personal life and public service.
“I was married to an angel in human form,” the lawmaker said in an emotional tribute.
He described her as someone who embodied humility, kindness, philanthropy and an entrepreneurial spirit, adding that she consistently challenged him to become a better man.
According to him, the late Agnes Abiante built a strong support system around him, serving as a dependable ally, companion and friend. He said their marriage was a union he believed was divinely ordained, stressing that the memories they shared would remain difficult to erase.
The lawmaker said the loss of his wife had re-emphasised what he described as the emptiness of life, noting that personal tragedy had a way of stripping away illusions about power, status and material achievement.
“For me, it has always been work and the fear of God,” he said, adding that life was not embodied in possessions or titles but in memories, hope and the positive impact made on others.
Abiante cautioned people in positions of authority against the abuse of power, saying no amount of influence or wealth could ultimately prevent death.
“No matter the powers you have wielded, the day the Lord closes your chapter, everything becomes useless to you,” he said, urging leaders to exercise authority with humility and to the glory of God.
He said death was a common denominator for all, regardless of social status, wealth or position, noting that life’s defining moments came to everyone in equal measure.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Rep. Rodney Ambaiowei, member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, who represented said the late Mrs. Abiante was widely loved within and beyond her community.
“If you mentioned her name anywhere in the community and beyond, she was appreciated,” he said, urging women to continue to support their husbands, describing such support as vital to family stability and success.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ali Isa JC, who attended the funeral with other lawmakers, said the late Agnes Abiante was not only a pillar to her husband but also to the wider community.
“We are here to mourn with our colleague,” he said, praying for eternal rest for the deceased and reminding those alive of the need to live purposeful lives, conscious of life’s fleeting nature.
The Association of Wives of Lawmakers also paid tribute to the deceased, describing her as an active and committed member of the group.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Dame Akpama said Agnes Abiante served as the association’s provost before her death and was known for her dedication and discipline.
“She was someone that, being with her, there was no dull moment,” Akpama said, recalling that the late Agnes was cheerful and lively, yet firm in enforcing standards within the association.
According to her, the deceased was usually among the first to arrive at official functions and ensured that members who arrived late fulfilled their obligations.
She said her leadership style combined warmth with responsibility.
Akpama said members of the association visited Agnes Abiante several times during her illness and prayed with her, expressing gratitude to God despite the loss.
“We wanted her to live by all means, but we say to God be the glory. He knows best,” she said, praying for strength for the husband, children and entire family.
She described the death as a loss on earth but a gain in heaven, noting that the late Agnes would be remembered for her commitment to family, faith and service.
The funeral service also featured a sermon delivered by Pastor David Fubara of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who urged mourners to reflect on life, death and eternity.
He described the late Agnes Abiante as a woman of honour whose life reflected the virtues outlined in Proverbs 31.
The pastor said testimonies presented during the service portrayed her as graceful, dignified and impactful, noting that her influence extended beyond her immediate family.
He told the congregation that death was an appointment every human being would one day keep, regardless of status, wealth or background, and urged people to prepare for that inevitability by living lives of purpose.
“What matters is what you will be remembered for,” he said, adding that believers should focus on leaving behind good works and positive legacies.
To encourage the bereaved family, the pastor recounted the story of a wealthy Chicago lawyer who suffered multiple losses, including the death of his four daughters in a shipwreck, yet chose to cling to faith rather than despair.
He explained that the man, after losing his properties in a major fire and later his children at sea, did not turn away from God but turned towards Him, finding comfort in faith and eventually expressing his hope through the famous hymn, It Is Well With My Soul.
The pastor said the story illustrated resilience in the face of loss and urged the family of the deceased to trust God for comfort, reconciliation and strength.
“God will give you strength and wipe away your tears,” he said, assuring the family that joy would come after mourning.
Throughout the service, several testimonies from friends, associates and community members extolled the virtues of the late Agnes Abiante, describing her as supportive, selfless and committed to the well-being of others.
Lawmakers present at the ceremony said their attendance was a show of solidarity with their colleague, reflecting the respect Abiante commands within the National Assembly.
The burial ceremony concluded with prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for strength for the bereaved family, as mourners filed past to pay their final respects.
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