Amaechi Hails Heroism Of Fallen Soldiers’ Heroism

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has attributed the continued unity and sustenance of Nigeria to the valour, gallantry and heroism of her fallen soldiers in the face of assaults on her territorial integrity.

Governor Amaechi stated this while launching the 2011 Armed Forces and Remembrance Emblem Appeal at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi noted the sacrifices of Nigeria’s

fallen heroes to preserve the nation’s sovereignty, regretting that very little was being done to immortalise members of the nation’s military who lost their lives at the battle front. He remarked that their contributions to the nation’s development can not be quantified.

The State Chief Executive emphasised the commitment of the State Government to the welfare of legionnaires in the State, reassuring that the widows of dead soldiers in the State will be adequately taken care of. He also called on organisations, philanthropists and other well­ meaning individuals to partner with the State in addressing the welfare of the legionnaires.

Earlier, State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Colonel Philemon Omunakwe (rtd.) had lamented that the “sacrifices of our fallen heroes are forgotten and neglected by the same people they died to save,” appealing to government at all levels, corporate organisations and individuals to assist the widows and other dependants of the fallen heroes”.

King Omunakwe thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for the payment of the accumulated pension arrears and regular monthly payment of pension to ex-servicemen, saying that legionnaires in the State identify with the achievements and determination of Governor Amaechi to change the State positively.

Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), represented by the Permanent Secretary in his office, Mr. Sovens Okari, Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, HRM King Theophilus Princewill, Service Commanders, State Commissioner of Police, State Comptroller General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.