Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has decried the yearly raising of fund to cater for the welfare of war veterans and families of fallen heroes.
Wike spoke this at the Rivers State Emblem Appeal Fund Launch held on Tuesday, at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt.
He said rather, federal government should set up a standing fund for that purpose, which would be replenished with yearly budgetary allocation as it is done in countries that truly value the contributions of the security agencies.
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The governor emphasised that the day set aside to launch emblem should only be for remembrance purposes, reflecting on the sacrifices made by men and women of the armed forces in keeping Nigerians together and ensuring that peace prevails in the country.
He said: “I think that we are tired in this country with every year meeting to launch emblem to support families of the fallen heroes.
“What I thought, as is done in advanced countries, the day should be used for remembrance of their (veterans) efforts.
“That means, by now, as a country, we should have a standing fund that will take care of the families of the fallen heroes. That is what serious countries should be talking about.”
Governor Wike noted that when such is done, the call on individuals and corporate entities by legionnaires will not be the norm anymore.
The Governor pointed out that it becomes mockery when the day is spent in soliciting financial support as an enduring measure of sustenance of legionnaires.
“When you say, you solicit for support of corporate bodies, they laugh at us and say what kind of country is this.
“People who have fought for you, people who have laid down their lives for you to be alive to survive, to continue with what you are doing, we are still talking about how do we support them?”
Governor Wike remarked that it is most likely the reason why officers of the nation’s security agencies are not committed to professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“They know when they die, all they will hear is launching of emblem to help their families. So, they are involved in so many things to take care of their families in case anything happens to them.”
Governor Wike stated that is why the oil bunkering business seemed to have continued unabated even if it is an economic sabotage, which is allegedly aided by the security agencies.
The governor commended the Rivers State police command for tracking down the killers of three policemen around Rumuokoro in Obio-Akpor council.
Governor Wike announced that the Rivers State government will give N20 million each of the families of the three slain policemen.
On behalf of the Rivers State Government, Governor Wike launched the Emblem with N50 million.
In his speech, Rivers State Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Justice Chichi noted the immeasurable support members of the legion have received from the Rivers State Government under the leadership of governor Wike.
Chichi declared that no one else across the country has contributed as much to the welfare of the legionnaires as done by the Rivers State governor.
“In 2018, you (Governor Wike) approved the establishment of a scholarship scheme and the award of scholarship to Fifty-Five (55) orphans, In 2019 you gave us a brand new coaster bus to ease our operations.
“In 2022, you further approved the award of scholarship to 50 orphans having graduated some of the earlier beneficiaries. You have continued to support our widows in great measures.”
On his part, Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo said the Emblem Appeal Fund Launching signals the commencement of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations in the State.
The events, he noted, are organised in acknowledgement of the selfless services rendered by men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure the civil population enjoy peace.
“Today, we have gathered to honour and appreciate these wonderful people for the comforts they provided for us and our businesses.
“They served with heart and might and truly their labour, “shall not be in vain” I urge a of us there to join His Excellency, Governor of Rivers State, who since 2015 to date magnanimously provided for the welfare of the Nigerian Legion as a body, and at the family levels.
“Let us remember that ‘on the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind’. Therefore, as those who benefitted immensely from their service, and shall continue to benefit; let us show by our deeds, today that we will never leave the veterans, their widows and children behind.”
Among others who launched at the event included Port Harcourt Local Government Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, who launched N23 million on behalf of the 23 local government areas.
Elder Ferdinand Alabraba launched N5 million on behalf of Rivers Elders, and the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja launched the emblem with N1 million on behalf of Rivers traditional rulers.
