Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON, GSSRS commends Turnah’s loyalty, leadership, mourns with bereaved family
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON, GSSRS commends Turnah’s loyalty, leadership, mourns with bereaved family
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has hailed Barr. Alabh George Turnah, a factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa state, as a man of exceptional character, uncommon loyalty and proven leadership capacity.
Wike made the remarks through his representative, Hon. Chukwuemeka Woke, the Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), who led a delegation to the burial ceremony of Turnah’s father-in-law, late Pastor Bibo Angaye.
The funeral took place on Friday at Okoloba town in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the oil-rich state.
Wike said his association with Turnah has made him realize that the Bayelsa politician is a very trusted, dependable and courageous leader.
According to the FCT minister, Turnah has proven that once he believes in a cause, he is prepared to stand by it, regardless of the risk involved.
He recalled that the political family would not forget in a hurry the humiliation and confrontations Turnah faced for expressing his intention to organize a civic reception in his honour.
The minister noted that although the decision was met with stiff resistance, Turnah stood firm and went ahead to successfully organize the event.
“This speaks volumes about the character and the person of George Turnah,” Wike said, adding that such courage, loyalty and consistency are rare qualities in Nigerian politics.
The minister reassured Turnah that he would never abandon his friends, especially in moments of challenge.
He explained that although it was impossible for him to attend the burial in person, he deliberately dispatched a high-powered delegation to represent him and publicly affirm solidarity with Turnah and his family.
Wike, who declared that “We are not fair-weather friends,” also reiterated that both in good times and in difficult moments Turnah would continue to enjoy unwavering support from him and the political family.
He also expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded the delegation, noting that the hospitality extended to them upon arrival reflected a sense of belonging and affirmed that they were truly at home in Bayelsa.
According to him, the manner in which Turnah stood firmly by his wife and the entire Angaye family throughout the period of grief and burial arrangements was a clear reflection of his strong moral upbringing, emotional intelligence and unwavering sense of duty.
“Barr. George Turnah is not only a political leader but a man whose character speaks louder than his position,” he said.
He noted that such values are critical for sustainable leadership and long-term political relevance.
While paying tribute to the late Pastor Bibo Angaye, who died at the age of 65, the minister described him as a God-fearing man whose legacy is evident in the quality of lives he raised, particularly in the character and disposition of his children and in-laws.
Making special reference to the strong bond between the deceased and Barr. Turnah, which he described as a father-son relationship rooted in mutual respect, strength and shared values, the minister added that Pastor Angaye was sent by God for a divine purpose.
He urged the family to take solace in the godly life lived by the late clergman, noting that the true measure of life is not its length but its impact.
He said while some may focus on the fact that the deceased did not attain the biblical seventy years and above, what truly matters is how well one lived and the footprints left behind.
The minister added that Pastor Angaye lived a life devoted to God, served humanity with sincerity and has now gone to be with his Maker, a reality he said should comfort the family and all who mourn his passing.
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the family and in-laws, Turnah expressed unreserved gratitude to all who identified with the family, offering prayers for God’s blessings upon everyone who supported them.
Family members, friends, political associates, sympathizers, church leaders and dignitaries, including the leadership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), as well as guests from across the country also graced the burial ceremony.
Photo credit: Reigneth Awudumu
