The Rivers State Golden
Jubilee celebrations climaxed on Saturday night when the Rivers
State Government honoured 127 distinguished Nigerians who served
the state meritoriously in different fields of human endeavour.
Some of the awardees were honoured
posthumously for their outstanding contributions to the growth of
Rivers State at different times.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo
Wike personally presented the awards to the awardees or their
representatives during a splendid ceremony that took place at the
Remodelled Multi Purpose Hall of the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic
Centre.
Governor Wike presented three
categories of awards to the distinguished personalities. They include:
Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS), Distinguished Service Star of
Rivers State (DSSRS) and Governor's Medal of Honour (GMH).
All civilian and military
former governors of the state accepted the award except the immediate
past governor of the state, Mr Rotimi Amaechi who has been indicted by a
judicial commission of inquiry for misappropriation of state funds.
Prominent amongst the
awardees on Saturday night are: Former President Goodluck Jonathan, his
wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, First Rivers Military Governor, King Alfred
Diete Spiff, Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, Former Rivers State
Governor, Chief Rufus Ada George, Former Deputy Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Chibodum Nwuche and Former Deputy Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Austin Opara.
Late Ken Saro-Wiwa, Late Senator Obi
Wali and Late Edward Kobani were among those honoured posthumously.
In his address, Rivers State
Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike stated that the Excellent Achievers Golden Jubilee
State Awards was instituted to appreciate all those who worked hard to
ensure the growth and stability of the state.
He said: "Rivers people are all
proud of you. You are our heroes. You have inspired generations and we pray you
continue to inspire us by upholding the finest values of hard work, courage,
commitment, determination, competitive spirit, love for knowledge and love for
your country, your State and the Nation. These are the time-honoured values
that stood you out among the rest for this noble recognition.
"To the families of our
departed recipients, we appreciate you for the lifetime achievements and
contributions of your loved ones to the development of our people, our State
and our Nation. Some of them died so that we can be free to pursue our dreams
and aspirations. We are proud of every one of them and let this award remind
you that we love them as much".
The governor added: "You have
all done well and we call on our youths to draw inspiration from your
achievements and free themselves from the self-imposed and self-limiting sense
of despair, hopelessness and helplessness.
"Let us never forget that we
are a people of common heritage with a common destiny under God. As Government
we shall continue to promote, protect and defend the collective interest of
Rivers State."
Speaking further, Governor Wike
stated that the law establishing the award will be amended to ensure that
criminals, no matter their previous positions don't get honoured from
the state.
He pointed out that the
immediate past governor governor was indicted by a judicial commission of
inquiry into the sale of the assets of the state, hence he didn't merit
the award, but was merely included in the list because he was a
former governor.
He said: "You will agree with
me that any person with such antecedents and formal indictments is not and
cannot be a fit and proper person to be bestowed with State Honours.
"Accordingly we queried the
nomination of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi on that premise but conceded, albeit,
reluctantly when we were told that his nomination was fiat
accompli under the State Honours Law by virtue of his position as a
former Governor of the State. Now that our unusual magnanimity in the spirit of
the Jubilee is unappreciated, we think it is proper to amend the law and
safeguard its credibility from being eroded or undermined."
Responding on behalf of the other
awardees, Former President Goodluck Jonathan thanked the government and people
of Rivers State for recognising him and other awardees.
He said they will continue to make
their contributions towards advancing the development of the state.
He pointed out that the award
occupies a special place in his heart due to his long time relationship with
Rivers State.
He praised the governor for his
numerous achievements which earned him the title, "Mr Projects
".
Jonathan lauded the Governor Wike
for instituting a 50-year strategic plan to develop Rivers State.
No comments:
Post a Comment