‘Golden Jubilee, Period Of Reconciliation’

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says the Golden Jubilee Anniversary affords every indigene of the state the opportunity to work together and jettison party affiliation.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee Dedication and Thanksgiving Service held at St Paul’s (Anglican) Cathedral, Diobu, yesterday, Wike sued for unity among the people, noting that the state has come a long way, and therefore, needs to thank God.
Wike said, “If you put the achievements of the various governors, there are a lot to thank God for. God has done a lot for the state, so, when people attain the age of 50, you see them celebrate let alone our state,” adding that, “anybody who loves and lives in Rivers State has a lot to thank God for.”
He also said the celebrations afford the people to take stock and plan how the state will be in the next 50 years.
The governor underscored the need for all to join hands to move the state forward, irrespective of party affiliation, while assuring that all the promises made by the administration will be fulfilled, and enjoined the church to always pray for the government.
Earlier in his sermon, Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey, had gone down memory lane to recall how the founding fathers like Chief Dappa-Biriye, Ken Saro-Wiwa and Isaac Adaka Boro fought for the creation of the state.
Kattey said “something good comes out of things that are bad”, as he recalled that the agitation for  the state creation led to series of crisis and division among the people.
He praised the first Governor and Military Administrator, King Alfred Diete-Spiff for laying good foundation for the state, as he observed that Wike has also been divinely placed to govern the state at this period of history.
The Anglican Archbishop of Niger Delta Province said of Wike, “God has placed you here for a purpose. It’s not coincidental. There are things you cannot choose for yourself: your date of birth, your parents, siblings and death.”
Kattey, who cited Leviticus 25: 3, called on the citizenry to use the golden jubilee anniversary  to show love and forgive each other.
There were special gospel music ministrations by Don Solomon, the Port Harcourt Male Ensemble, and the Saint Paul’s Anglican Cathedral Choir.
Prominent Rivers leaders attended the dedication service, including former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili , first Rivers State Military Governor, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Rivers State deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, former Ministers, members  of the National Assembly and officials of the Rivers State Government.