Rivers@ 50: RSG Honours 127

The Rivers State Golden Jubilee celebrations climaxed, last Saturday night, with the Rivers State Government honouring 127 distinguished Nigerians who served the state meritoriously in different fields of human endeavour.
Some of the awardees were honoured post-humously for their outstanding contributions to the growth of Rivers State at different times.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, personally presented the awards to the awardees or their representatives during a splendid ceremony at the remodelled multi-purpose hall of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre.
Wike presented three categories of awards to the distinguished personalities, including Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS), Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) and Governor’s Medal of Honour (GMH).
All civilian and military former governors of the state accepted the awards except the immediate past Governor of the state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who had been indicted by a judicial commission of inquiry for misappropriation of state funds.
Prominent amongst the awardees were former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, First Rivers Military Governor, King Alfred Diete Spiff, former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara.
Late Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa, Senator Obi Wali and Edward Kobani were among those honoured posthumously.
In his address at the ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, stated that the Excellent Achievers Golden Jubilee State Awards was instituted to appreciate all those who worked hard to ensure the growth and stability of the state.
He said: “Rivers people are all proud of you. You are our heroes. You have inspired generations, and we pray you continue to inspire us by upholding the finest values of hard work, courage, commitment, determination, competitive spirit, love for knowledge, and love for your state and the nation. These are the time-honoured values that stood you out among the rest for this noble recognition.
“To the families of our departed recipients, we appreciate you for the lifetime achievements and contributions of your loved ones to the development of our people, our state and our nation. Some of them died so that we can be free to pursue our dreams and aspirations. We are proud of every one of them, and let this award remind you that we love them as much.”
The governor added: “You have all done well and we call on our youth to draw inspiration from your achievements and free themselves from the self-imposed and self-limiting sense of despair, hopelessness and helplessness.
“Let us never forget that we are a people of common heritage with a common destiny under God. As government, we shall continue to promote, protect and defend the collective interest of Rivers State.”
Speaking further, Wike stated that the law establishing the award will be amended to ensure that criminals, no matter their previous positions, don’t get honoured from the state.
He pointed out that the immediate past governor was indicted by a judicial commission of inquiry into the sale of the assets of the state; hence, he didn’t merit the award, but was merely included in the list because he was a former governor.
He said: “You will agree with me that any person with such antecedents and formal indictments is not and cannot be a fit and proper person to be bestowed with state honours.
“Accordingly, we queried the nomination of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on that premise but conceded, albeit, reluctantly when we were told that his nomination was fiat accompli under the State Honours Law by virtue of his position as a former governor of the state. Now that our unusual magnanimity in the spirit of the Golden Jubilee is unappreciated, we think it is proper to amend the law and safeguard its credibility from being eroded or undermined.”
Responding on behalf of the other awardees, former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, thanked the government and people of Rivers State for recognising him and other awardees.
He said they will continue to make their contributions towards advancing the development of the state.
Jonathan pointed out that the award occupies a special place in his heart due to his long time relationship with Rivers State.
He praised the governor for his numerous achievements which earned him the title, “Mr Projects”.
Jonathan lauded Wike for instituting a 50-year strategic plan to develop Rivers State.
The night was spiced by good music and dinner.