Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has on Thursday formally restored all the entitlements and benefits of Sir Celestine Omehia as a former Governor of the state.
Omehia was sacked by the Supreme Court which declared Rotimi Amaechi as the winner of the governorship election in the state in 2007.
Wike placed the official portrait of Omehia among the line up of former governors of Rivers State at the Government House, Port Harcourt Executive Council Chamber.
Performing the exercise, Wike said that the decision to restore the entitlements and privileges of Omehia as former governor stemmed from the fact that he worked as governor of the state between 29th May 2007 and 25th October 2007, wherein he took decisions on behalf of the state and initiated projects.
“I hereby put back his official portrait among those of former governors. He is now entitled to the benefits of all former governors,” Wike said.
He said that the era of politics of bitterness in Rivers State was effectively over, noting that it was not right to personalise governance as was done by the immediate past administration.
Responding, Omehia, who was at the Government House, said it was the most historic day of his political career.
He said that the restoration of his rights as a former governor indicates that his dark political days are over.
The event was witnessed by the Secretary to Rivers State Government, Kenneth Kobani, Rivers State Housing Commissioner, Barrister Emma Okah and the State Attorney-General, Chinwe Aguma.
