RSG Donates N5m To Legionnaires …Promises Support To FIDA

Members of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State chapter and other guests, cutting the end of year cake, during the body’s end of year party and awards ceremony in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson

Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike says his administration is committed to the welfare of Nigerian legionnaires in the State.
The Governor who stated this during the Emblem Appeal Launching marking the 2016 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Celebration at the Obi Wali International conference centre, Port Harcourt donated N5 million to the legion.
Governor Wike who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the State Government would continue to do the needful to encourage the Soldiers as well as sustain the families left behind by the fallen heroes.
He emphasized that Government would support security agencies in order to guarantee the safety of the citizens while calling on well-meaning Nigerians to assist the Armed Forces.
“I therefore call on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day by donating generously towards the welfare of families of our fallen heroes and those serving in various military operations in Nigeria and other countries.” he said.
Governor Wike said the programme is to remember those who served in various peace keeping operations and paid the supreme sacrifice for the peace and stability of the nation.
He promised to address the challenges faced by the legionnaires especially in the area of agriculture which he said would add value to the agricultural development programme of the state.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Sir. Kenneth Kobani said the emblem launch and appeal fund support was intended to provide a forum for Nigerians and corporate bodies to appreciate the sacrifices of the gallant officers and donate generously to their welfare.
“Let everyone rise up and support those they left behind, their labour must not be in vain.” Kobani declared.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Col. Wilberforce Josiah, thanked the Rivers State Government for engaging the legionnaires to serve as Security Guards at the State Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt since 1999.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that he will give the Rivers State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers ( FIDA) Nigeria, his full support.
Governor Wike who was represented by his wife,  Justice Suzzette Eberechi Nyesom Wike, made the statement yesterday, at the opening ceremony of the FIDA Law Week 2015 and its National Executive Committee/ Annual General Meeting at the Chief Judge’s Ceremonial Court, State High Court Complex, Port Harcourt.
The theme of the 5- day conference is making effective use of Legislation to end violvence against women
According to the Governor: “I will do everything in my power and capacity as the Governor of Rivers State to support FIDA and the women of Rivers State. Women can be provocative, it should not be an excuse for men to be violent towards women. Our men should be taught to exercise more self control and our women should be less provocative. Men should be the best they can be as husbands so that they can look after their wives,“ he said.
The governor who expressed the belief that there was a lot to be achieved in the raising of children said that the issue of violence against women stemmed from the different upbringing given to the male and female child by parents in the home.
The State Chief Executive maintained that since all religions preached peace , children should be taught peace and how to be accommodating and tolerant so that the society will be better for it.
He called for more collaborative efforts between FIDA and non-governmental organisations dealing with actualisations of women’s rights and also advised that FIDA should tilt its advocacy and sensitisation programmes more to women of the rural areas, but should not totally ignore the urban women.
Governor noted that there were many frequent and embarrassing cases of rape and indecent assault of very small children whose parents were not ready for prolonged court cases and collected pittances as out of court settlement from offenders.
Governor Wike who noted that many cases of violence by men against women are regarded as domestic affairs between spouses by the police , suggested that FIDA representatives who will act as liaison officers be present in busy police stations to facilitate speedy dispensation of justice against offenders.
Wike also suggested that he and members of his cabinet would sponsor new bills and review existing ones to stem the tide of violence against women.
Speaking earlier, the Chairperson FIDA Rivers State Chapter ,Mrs. Florence Itamunoala, said that the theme of this year’s NEC meeting was very apt and germane to women lawyers whose most potent weapon for the protection of the rights of women and children are legislations.
The key note speaker of the occasion maintained that violence against women can be put to an end through legislation in the courts.
Also speaking the outgoing National President/Country Vice President, Mrs. Evelyn Shekarau, said that despite the many achievement of FIDA during her tenure, there was need for the incoming president to soldier on and  not to rest on her oars because the rights of women and girl children are still being violated.