Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has disclosed that State Police Command detectives have located the thugs who recently shot and killed three police escorts atop the Rumuokoro flyover in Port Harcourt.
Wike spoke at the Rivers State Emblem Appeal Fund Launching on Tuesday at Government House’s Banquet Hall in Port Harcourt.
Wike praised the officers of the command for their quick thinking in tracking down the killers of the three police officers in the Rumuokoro area of Obio-Akpor council.
Recall that on November 25,2022, a group of daring gunmen abducted Mr. Seni Awosike, the managing director of the IGPES Group of Oil and Gas Company in Port Harcourt, and shot and killed three escort policemen on the Rumuokoro flyover in Port Harcourt.
Wike also announced that the Rivers State government will give N20 million to each of the families of the three slain policemen.
On behalf of the Rivers State Government, Wike also launched the emblem with N50M.
But he said the yearly raising of funds to cater for the welfare of war veterans and families of fallen heroes is not sustainable, and should be discouraged.
Rather the federal government, he suggested, should set up a standing fund for that purpose, which will be replenished with yearly budgetary allocation as it is done in countries that truly values the contributions of the security agencies.
He emphasised that the day set aside to launch the 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.
“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 advance 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.”
When such is done, Governor Wike noted, the call on individuals and corporate entities by legionnaires will not be the norm anymore.
He pointed out that it is a mockery that the day is spent in soliciting for financial support as an enduring measure of sustenance of legionnaires.
“When you say you solicit the support of corporate bodies, they laugh at us and say what kind of country this is.”
“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?”
He said that 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 the launching of an 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.”
That is why, Governor Wike stated, the oil bunkering business seemed to have continued unabated even if it is an economic sabotage, which are allegedly aided by the security agencies.
In his speech, Rivers State Chairman of the Nigerian 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 has done the Rivers State governor.
“In 2018, you (Gov. Wike) approved the establishment of a scholarship scheme and the award of scholarships 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 scholarships to fifty (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 launch 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 enjoys 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 all of us here 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 have immensely benefited 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 their children behind.”
Among others who launched at the event were Port Harcourt Local Government Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, who launched N23M on behalf of the 23 local government areas.
Elder Ferdinand Alabraba launched the emblem with N5 million on behalf of Rivers Elders, and the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, launched the emblem with one million naira on behalf of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.