Senator Ellah, 80, dies in PH ...Rivers Gov condoles family
Felix Okogbule • Friday, Apr 25, 2008

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has said that the lessons the late Senator Francis Ellah taught him would ever remain memorable in his life.

Governor Amaechi said this yesterday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of late Senator Francis Ellah in Port Harcourt following news of his death in the early hours of yesterday.

The governor noted that the late Senator taught him very useful lessons that had helped him both in his personal life and governance and promised to apply them wisely.

“I hope that I will copy the lessons and learn it well to ensure that I don’t forget him that easily”, Amaechi said.

The state chief executive who expressed shock over the death of Senator Ellah recalled how he met the late Senator last Sunday looking healthy and strong.

“Now that he is dead, we believe that it is the wish of God and we have no choice about that”, Governor Amaechi observed.

He urged the family to take heart and assured that the state government would identify with them in their moment of grief.

The governor who described the late Francis Ellah as an elder statesman, who had served the state and the country in various capacities, said the state government would participate fully in his burial.

In his response, the eldest son of the deceased, Mr Franklin Ellah thanked Governor Amaechi and members of his cabinet for their support and sympathy to the family.

Mr Franklin Ellah said although the times were difficult for the family, government’s gesture has helped to make it easier for them.

Governor Amaechi also visited the residence of Chief Ombo Isokariari in Port Harcourt, part of which was gutted by fire in the early hours of yesterday

The governor who described the incident as unfortunate expressed the belief that the Almighty God who allowed it to happen would also help the family to recoup their losses.

The governor observed that everything happened for a purpose and urged the family to thank God that no lives were lost, but sympathized with them for the loss of their personal property.

Mrs Daba Isokariari, wife of Chief Ombo Isokariari said the fire which began from her apartment at about 9.30 in the morning was caused by faulty electrical applainces.

She, however revealed that although all her personal belongings were burnt in the fire no life was lost as fire fighters were called in to save the situation.

The governor had earlier paid unscheduled inspection to the Moore House Comprehensive Health Centre in Port Harcourt where he threatened to cancel the contract if no appreciable work was done by his next visit.