Rivers Government House Honours 44 Retirees, 17 Deceased Staff

Seventeen staff of Rivers State Government House who died in active service between 2007 and August 2009 have been honoured alongside 44 others who duly retired after a credible career in the State Civil Service.

Also honoured with them were three Permanent Secretaries; Mr Emmanuel Ichoku, the only Permanent Secretary to have retired from Government House, Dr Anthony Nwiador and Mr Chinorum Aya.

Speaking during a send forth ceremony organised for them last Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr Oguru Fortune Oguru said he decided to introduce such recognition in the system to appreciate staff who served meritoriously.

Mr Oguru, who explained that it was not usual in Government House to assemble retirees and families of deceased staff for any form of appreciation, promised that henceforth those who do their jobs creditably would be honoured to encourage others.

He said families of deceased staff were invited to let them know that the contributions of their breadwinners to the governance of the state were greatly appreciated.

The Permanent Secretary lauded them for their exemplary service and wished them well in their future endeavours, saying “God will guide you through and through”.

In his speech, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, described Government House staff as those who make things happen at the seat of power saying that the ceremony was put together to let them know that they are important.

The Chief of Staff, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Ethics and Good Governance, Mr Chuma Chinye remarked that the present administration as a responsible government would always cater for the welfare of workers.

He advised civil servants to be transparent and show commitment to duty so as to retire with good record of service, adding that what they need to leave behind for the children is good name as money was nothing without integrity.

Also speaking, the Chairman,’ State Civil Service Commission, Chief Anthony Egobueze lauded the Permanent Secretary, Government House, for the initiative, pointing out that to retire as a civil servant after 35 years of service is worth thanking God for.

Chief Egobueze who said that retirement is a blessing, stressed the need for civil servants to retire when due so that they can have the strength to run around for other things that are useful.

He also enjoined them to try to do the right thing in service because when they retire, they would have cause to go back to those they left, and cautioned against acts that would demean their contribution to governance.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mr Emmanuel Ichoku thanked Governor Amaechi for approving the gathering to honour them as well as all those who contributed towards making the ceremony possible.