The Rivers state governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Tuesday, 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.
Rather, he said 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 stated 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 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, he said, the call on individuals and corporate entities by legionnaires will not be the norm anymore.
Governor Wike said it becomes mockery when the day is spent in soliciting for financial support as an enduring measure of sustenance of legionnaires.
