Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday said the yearly raising of fund to cater for the welfare of Biafran war veterans and families of fallen heroes is not sustainable, and should be discouraged.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Governor Wike suggested that 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 spoke at the Rivers State Emblem Appeal Fund Launching that held at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt.
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,” he said.
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 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,” the governor said.
