Okenyi Kenechi
As the country launches the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on the leadership and members of the Nigerian Legion in the state to reconcile their differences.
Governor Wike expressed suprise that members of the legion in the state have continued to be divided into two factions, stressing that the break-out of factions in the Legion is not necessary.
According to him “I am surprised that up till now you have two factions in the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State. Simply because the State Government gave a grant of N100million to the Legion last year, a major crisis broke out.
“I don’t know who will preside over this year’s donation to the Legion. My suggestion is that for the sake of your members, you have to reconcile”.
Governor Wike launched the Emblem for N10million. He announced that the 23 Local Government Areas of the state will launch the Emblem with N23million.
The governor berated the Service Commanders for sending representatives to the event, saying it was a disservice to the fallen heroes and war veterans.
Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani said that the celebration reminds the country of the roles played by the military in the unity of the country.
He commended the Rivers State Governor for taking the support to the fallen heroes a step further by funding welfare programmes for their widows.
He urged Nigerians to pick up the emblem and donate for the sustenance of the families of the fallen heroes and war veterans.
A representative of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, Assistant Commander Ekwueme Francis commended the Rivers State Governor for releasing an N100million grant to the Legion for scholarships to the children of the fallen heroes and grants to their widows.
He, however, said that it is unfortunate that the fallen heroes and war veterans are not genuinely appreciated by other members of the society.
