By Tayo Joseph Lagos, Nigeria
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.
The night was spiced by good music and dinner.
Picture 1: Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili conferring on Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike the first Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) on Saturday night during the the Excellent Achievers of Rivers Golden Jubilee State Awards in Port Harcourt.
Picture 2: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike presenting the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) to Former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Chibodum Nwuche on Saturday night during the the Excellent Achievers of Rivers Golden Jubilee State Awards in Port Harcourt.
Picture 3: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike presenting the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) to Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan on Saturday night during the the Excellent Achievers of Rivers Golden Jubilee State Awards in Port Harcourt
Picture 4: Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili receiving the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) from Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Saturday night during the the Excellent Achievers of Rivers Golden Jubilee State Awards in Port Harcourt.
Picture 5: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike presenting the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) to Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday night during the the Excellent Achievers of Rivers Golden Jubilee State Awards in Port Harcourt
Picture 6: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike presenting the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) to First Military Governor of Rivers State, King Alfred Diete Spiff on Saturday night during the the Excellent Achievers of Rivers Golden Jubilee State Awards in Port Harcourt
