Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Thursday, June 25, 2015 recognised formally, former Governor Celestine Omehia as an ex-governor, while hanging his portrait alongside portrait of other Governors of the Rivers State at the Government House in port Harcourt.
Governor Wike also stated that he had restored all the benefits and entitlements accrued to Omehia as a former governor.
The Rivers State Governor explained that the decision was made because Omehia served the state between Tuesday, May 29, 2007 to Thursday, October 25, 2007 as the Governor of Rivers State.
“I hereby put back his official portrait among those of former governors.
“He is now entitled to the benefits of all former governors,” said Governor Wike.
Omehia, thrilled by the Governor’s gesture, expressed that this marked the most historic day of his political career, while also stating that this implies that his political dark days were gone.
Also present with Governor Wike, during the restoration were Chief kenneth Kobani who is the Secretary to the State Government, the state’s Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Chinwe Aguma, to mention but a few.
A former Commissioner for Information during Omehia’s administration expressed happiness over Governor Wike’s gesture, describing the action of the governor as a welcome development.
Okah said that, “Morally speaking, it would have been difficult to explain the vacuum in governance without a reference to Sir Celestine Omehia as the governor of Rivers State from Tuesday, May 29, 2007 to Thursday, October 25, 2007.
“The state is in a mood of reconciliation.
“The truth is that before the election in 2007, the people saw Omehia , loved him and voted for him.
“We commend the state governor for taking a bold step to reinstate Omehia’s status as a former governor of the state.
“The implication is that Sir Omehia will be given the special priveledge. including benefits accorded other former governors.”
