Dignitaries Gather at KNC as Rivers Political Matriarch, Hon. Mrs. Agbani Roseline Amachree (JP), Is Laid to Rest

Buguma, Rivers State — The life and legacy of Honourable Mrs. Agbani Roseline Amachree (JP), a revered Kalabari-born grassroots politician, philanthropist, cultural icon, and community mobiliser, were celebrated as dignitaries from across Rivers State and beyond gathered to bid her a final farewell.

The burial ceremony took place at the Kalabari National College (KNC), where eminent personalities, political leaders, traditional rulers, women groups, and well-wishers came from far and near to honour the late matriarch, who was the mother of Hon. Ojukaye Flag Amachree, former Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area and former Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

An open-air funeral service, officiated by the Anglican Church, formed a major highlight of the ceremony. Solemn hymns were rendered as prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of the soul of Hon. Mrs. Agbani Roseline Amachree, reflecting her deep Christian faith and lifelong devotion to the Church.

Hon. Mrs. Amachree, widely described as a political strategist of rare depth, carved an enduring legacy in Nigerian politics through decades of service, mobilisation, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of her people. From humble beginnings, she rose to become a household name in Rivers State politics, earning the nickname “Master Strategist” for her exceptional understanding of grassroots mobilisation and political organisation.

Her political journey began in 1979 when she ventured into partisan politics and was appointed an Executive Member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Degema Local Government Area. Her influence later cut across successive political eras, including the Babangida and Abacha transitions, during which she played key roles in women mobilisation and party organisation at the state and local government levels.

At the return of democracy in 1999, she emerged as one of the pioneering figures who brought the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to Asari-Toru Local Government Area, serving for several years as the party’s Woman Leader. Her grassroots mobilisation contributed significantly to the emergence of key political leaders in Rivers State, including former Governor Sir Dr. Peter Odili and Hon. Opakiri Jackreece, former Executive Chairman of Asari-Toru LGA.

Known for her principled stance and forthrightness, Hon. Mrs. Amachree was respected for her honesty, courage, and unwavering loyalty. Her political service record included roles as Deputy Chairperson of the PDP in Rivers State, Chairperson of the 23 LGAs Women Leaders Forum, Special Adviser on Women Affairs to the Asari-Toru Chairman, and Caretaker Committee Member of ASALGA.

Beyond politics, she was a renowned philanthropist, providing food for the poor, supporting widows, paying school fees for indigent students, and offering succour to the elderly. She was also a staunch custodian of Kalabari culture, earning the affectionate title “Kalabari Grandma”, and played leading roles in cultural, agricultural, and cooperative initiatives that brought recognition to Rivers State at national levels.

A devout Christian and committed family woman, Hon. Mrs. Amachree was married to His Eminence, Chief Emmanuel Flag Amachree (Ojukaye V), the paramount head of the Da Ojukaye War Canoe Houses, in what is regarded as the prestigious IYA marriage in Kalabari tradition. She was blessed with six children and many foster children, investing deeply in their upbringing, education, and discipline.

Her legacy lives on through her children, particularly Hon. Ojukaye Flag Amachree, whose political rise she nurtured and mentored. As tributes poured in at the funeral ceremony, many described Hon. Mrs. Agbani Roseline Amachree (JP) as a woman of courage, compassion, cultural pride, and uncommon dedication to service.

As hymns echoed across the Kalabari National College grounds and final rites were observed, mourners agreed that her name has been indelibly written in the political, cultural, and social history of Rivers State.