Amaechi Urges Legionnaires To Support State Security

Governor Chibuike Amaechi has enjoined men of the Nigerian Legion to support the quest by the state government to boost security.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr George Feyii during the emblem launch and appeal marking the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day yesterday in Port Harcourt, Amaechi said security was the business of every citizen.

The Governor appealed to the citizenry to give support to the measures put in place by government in ensuring peaceful co-existence of all in the state.

In his words, “This annual event is held to remind us of the supreme sacrifice of our fallen heroes, but I want to appeal to us to support the issue of security in the state, because the business of security should not be left in the hands of the state government alone. Security is a business that all residents and citizens must put efforts together to achieve collectively, you all must give your maximum support.”

Amaechi however assured that the welfare of legionnaires would be given proper attention, adding, “we have had a good cordial relationship with the Nigerian Legion in Rivers State; if that is not the case, we would not be here to honour the fallen heroes”.

He also indicated the willingness of his administration to make further improvements on the welfare of the retired service men, especially on issues that require urgent government attention.

“This government must do everything possible to ensure that the families of the fallen heroes are not neglected,” Amaechi asserted, “this will make our serving officers to work more gallantly.”

The Governor urged on the public to contribute to the emblem launch, stressing that this would boost the welfare of the families of the fallen heroes.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, King Col. Philemon Chinda expressed worry over the welfare and needs of the families of ex-service men, as he called on government to improve their standard of living.

“We should not forget that our gallant and fallen heroes died so that we may live, what we are doing is to assist the families and dependants of the fallen heroes. What we are doing today is to bring comfort and happiness to our brothers whose sorrows seem to have no end”, Chinda remarked.

He thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for approving a new pension scheme for military pensioners, and for his good plans to pay 53 per cent pension arrears before the end of the first quarter of 2013.

The Rivers State Legion leader also used the forum to commend Governor Amaechi for his untiring efforts and commitment to ensure safety of lives and property in Rivers State including businesses.