Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has called on the Federal Government to desist from shying away from its responsibility for the welfare of Security Agencies to the States.

Governor Wike said this at the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund Launch ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesady. 

Governor Wike said the State Governments are only meant to provide necessary support, where they can. He said his administration will however not relent in its support to men and officers of the Nigerian military, who have fought tirelessly in keeping the country united at great costs.

He said although January 15th is the Remembrance Day in particular, but the Emblem Appeal Fund Launch is organised earlier to raise money to support the Nigerian Legionnaires.

"What we are merely doing is to support. What is the Federal Government doing for you? So, everything should not be left in the hands of the State."

The Governor also berated the leadership of the legion for not being able to provide some basics for themselves. He said the Rivers State Government alone, within the last six year of his tenure has donated no less than N150 million to them annually. 

He said if the resources were well managed, it would have provided them a Secretariat without going hand-in-cap to Government.

"If you check for the Six years, I've launched this emblem with not less than N20 million in every year. And check each January 15th, I have given you not less than N150million. So, when you calculate, you can have your own Secretariat."

The Governor urged the Federal Government not to abdicate its responsibility to fend for security agencies to the States, as it would have a counter productive implications. 

"The Military is under the Federal Government, the Police is under the Federal Government. So don't shift responsibility of the Federal Government to States. What we are merely doing is to support."

Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo said every year, this event is organised to honour, appreciate and support war veterans and their dependents for their various levels of sacrifice that they made as a duty to the nation. He noted that as officers and men of the military, they gave their best to ensure that the civil populace continue to enjoy security and peace.

He stated that while Governor Wike and the Rivers State Government have continued to support and provide the welfare of the legion, it is also important that well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies also lean their support. 

"We may not know them all but certainly, we owe them all. That is why, His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State has always supported them in every way possible. 

"But whilst he is always supporting them and doing everything possible for them, it is not enough that only government or the governor is supporting them. It is a responsibility and duty for each and every one of us to appreciate them and to support them."

Rivers State Chairman of Nigerian Legion, ACG Justice Chichi esq. said patriotic citizens are gathered to consider how to continue ameliorating the harsh and unfriendly challenges that confront legionnaires. According to him, these war veterans, some have been living with hurts and others have died while fighting to keep the flag of freedom flying. 

He urged Nigerians to spend the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in sober reflection of those sacrifices and renew commitment to the welfare of the veterans, widows and dependents of the fallen heroes in Rivers State. 

"Your Excellency sir, after an in-depth arithmetics of the immeasurable supports which we are enjoying of your administration as the Governor of Rivers State and our patron, I am led to, with humility and respect, that, I know of no one who has contributed more than you to the welfare of the legionnaires. The gift of giving for the welfare support of the needy has earn you the admiration of everyone."

The Rivers State Government launched the emblem with the sum of N20m, the 23 Council Chairmen collectively launched it with N23 million, while the State Legislature and Judiciary did same with N2 million respectively.

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