By Dave Ukah
Some prominent Nigerians from all over the country have been honoured by Ebonyi state government with the
State Honours Award
Among those honoured at the grand finale held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, was former President, Dr. GoodLuck Jonathan who received the honour of Grand Commander, Ebonyi Hall of Fame, GCEHF.
The Late Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha was also honoured posthumously as GCEHF for being the instrument for Ebonyi State creation in October, 1996. Other honourees included the Chief of Staff to President Mohammadu Buhari, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari; Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; two former Governors of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi and Ayo Fayose as well as former Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji.
Governor Umahi also honoured his predecessors, Chief Martin Elechi and Senator Sam Egwu as well as the first Military Administrator of the State, Navy Commander Walter Feghabor, among others.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who was the special guest of honour, in his remarks, congratulated Governor Umahi for the feats he has attained in political leadership.
Buhari, who was by representated by his Chief of Staff Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, noted that Umahi's administrative policies are in tandem with the three core pillars of Buhari's administration: Economy, Security and anti corruption.
He commended the governor for his commitment to security in Southeast, his unprecedented infrastructure and Agricultural policies which he observed, has made Ebonyi one of the largest producers of rice in the country.
He emphasized that Umahi's exemplary leadership has marked him.out as a bridge builder who transcends Party and sectional sentiments in fostering a one united Nigeria.
He said: "May I congratulate all the awardees, and also His Excellency, Governor David Umah, not only for the vision of establishing these awards so that the recipient will be spuIrred on to give more of their contributions to the society, but also for the Governor's exemplary leadership that he has demonstrated in the transformation of the State.
"He is indeed an achiever, a great achiever, and a role model in the relationship between the federal and State government on what heights a State can achieve if given very limited resources."
President Buhari called on all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the ideals of the founding fathers of the country for a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
Former President GoodLuck Jonathan in his remarks, described his award as a further Strengthening of the agelong bond existing between Bayelsa and Ebonyi State.
While noting that awards are relevant in appreciation of those who have contributed to a people, he cautioned recipients to continue to live worthy of the attributes that attracted the awards.
The former President, however made a case for a legal amendment empowering the federal government to withdraw national Honours from holders found wanting in character and conduct.
"Talking about awards, I want to say, probably, when we are making laws, at the federal level, there should be an amendment empowering the president or the State Governors to strike off such Honours"
While pledging the indebtedness of the honourees to Ebonyi State for the gesture, Jonathan commended Governor Umahi saying: "Mr Governor, you are doing well, you have performed."
Governor Umahi, prior to the award night, had taken former President Jonathan and other dignitaries round some of the mega project sites where the former president commissioned some of the completed projects.
Jonathan also officially laid the foundation stone for the ongoing Olympic Stadium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, named after late General Sani Abacha.
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