Ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to play politics of inclusiveness in the interest of the state.
Obasanjo, who spoke during the burial ceremony of Lady Chioma Achonu, the mother of Senator Athan Achonu, in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state, said the peace and security of the state were paramount.
The former president, who was commended for a recent peace mission in Ethiopia by the moderator of the service, advised Uzodimma to forget his political differences with other leaders in the state for peace to reign.
He called out a former governor of the state, Ikedi Ohakim, who sat far from Uzodimma in the church, led him to the governor and ordered the duo to embrace each other and they did.
Obasanjo had earlier jovially told Uzodimma “you must pay a fine for wasting one hour of my time, waiting for you.”
Speaking, Uzodimma said he was not at the event to play politics but to pay tribute to a woman whom he said added value to the state while alive.
The governor said his administration was committed to partnering every stakeholder for the peace and development of the state.
The chief mourner, Senator Athan Achonu, said his mother, who died a centurion, would be remembered for her commitment to a just society and respect for family values.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Okigwe Catholic Archdiocese, Solomon Amatu, urged politicians to govern with the fear of God.
Others at the event included the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; a former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha; ex minister Uche Oga; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; super Eagles legend, Kanu Nwankwo; a business mogul, Tony Chukwu, among others.
