Wike Blames Oil Theft on Poor Welfare for Fallen Heroes
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says security agencies aide oil theft and illegal oil bunkering business unabashedly in the country because there is no standing welfare funds for legionnaires.
To this end, the governor has charged the federal government 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.
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.
Speaking at the Rivers State Emblem Appeal Fund Launching that held on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, Wike said the yearly raising of fund to cater for the welfare of war veterans and families of fallen heroes is not sustainable and should be discouraged.
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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.
“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.
Governor Wike pointed out that it becomes mockery when the day is spent in soliciting for 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 we support them?”
“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.”
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.
The governor commended the Rivers State police command for tracking down the killers of three policemen who lost their lives on the Rumuokoro flyover while escorting an oil mogul and businessman.
Governor Wike announced that the Rivers State government will give N20million to each of the families of the three slain policemen.
On behalf of the Rivers State Government, Governor Wike launched the Emblem with N50million.
Earlier, Rivers State Chairman of 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 done by the Rivers State governor.
“In 2018, you (Gov Wike) approved the establishment of a scholarship scheme and the award of scholarship to 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.”
