My Wife’s Death Reminds Me Power Is Transient – Rep Abiante

The member representing Andoni/Opobo–Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers state in the House of Representatives, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, has said the death of his wife reinforced his belief that life and political power are empty.

Speaking at the Service of Songs held in Abuja for his late wife, Agnes Nwakaego Abiante, the lawmaker said her passing had re-emphasised the emptiness of worldly pursuits.

“Life is empty. Even politics is empty,” he said, explaining that nothing people fight over in public life holds any real value in the face of death. “These legacies… It’s not just one. We pray that God gives us the grace to sustain them. Her death re-emphasises that life is empty.

“It should lead those of us, especially those who wield political power, to understand the futility of it all. To know how senile we have been while fighting for control. How useless power can be.

“Because if it were power, I am sure I would have called a few people, and she would have been back. If it were resources, even if I don’t have them, I have those who can help me. It shows how worthless the things men fight over can be,” Abiante said.

He described his wife as kind, humble, peaceful and accessible to all, regardless of status, saying, “There was no class distinction with her. She listened to people even when I was too busy. People from my community will tell you—if you need anything from Honourable, meet the wife.”

Abiante said her support at home helped him serve effectively in parliament, adding that: “If you don’t have a good home, you can’t be productive outside. She gave me peace and encouraged me,” he said, adding that she was an entrepreneur and a tailor who worked with her hands and was not dependent on him.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who attended with several lawmakers, said the House had felt Abiante’s absence in recent weeks and only understood the reason after the news of his loss.

Kalu described the late Mrs Abiante as a quiet but powerful influence who shaped the life of her husband, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante. He supported his work as a federal lawmaker.

He noted that Abiante is one of the most fearless and respected debaters in the House, adding that his temporary withdrawal from national duties showed the depth of the pain he was carrying.

“It has been a troubled time,” Kalu said. “Many people kept asking questions, but today we know why.

She must have been a lioness in her quiet spirit. “Not many women can deal with Abiante. He is a strong man, and you don’t control a strong man with strength but with softness,” Kalu said.

He assured Abiante that the House would stand by him, saying, “More people will be there to support you because you have always been there for all of us.”

Kalu urged the children to pay attention to the lessons from their mother’s life by particularly cherishing the values she left behind.

Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Hon. Leke Abejide, who served with Abiante in both the 9th and 10th Assemblies, prayed for God’s comfort for the family.

Abejide said he and Abiante had worked closely, serving together in committee assignments and maintaining strong personal ties.

“One day, I didn’t see him, and he told me his wife was sick. He had not been telling anybody. He just wanted to confirm it. I picked up interest from there.

“I was the first person he called when the woman passed away,” he said. “That night I was with him till midnight, and I have always been with him,” Abejide said.

The deceased daughter, Esther Abiante, said her mother was many things to her, especially a confidant.

“My mom was my best friend. She was the nicest woman I’ve ever known. She made herself someone I could talk to, not just as a mother but as a friend.

“I told her I wanted to start a baking or restaurant business; she told me she would support me no matter what. I told her I wanted to study medicine; she said I should go for it,” Esther said.