In his remarks during the ceremony in Port Harcourt, Governor WIKE said that the creation of the state marked the liberation of the Rivers people from the forces of oppression and domination.
He said before the creation of the state, Rivers people, including those in the present day Bayelsa State, existed as second class citizens – oppressed, exploited, dehumanised and denied the most basic opportunities of life.
Governor WIKE said every Rivers person was relieved when former Military Head of State, General YAKUBU GOWON on 27th of May 1967, dismantled what he described as regional geo-political fortresses of majority domination and pronounced the creation of Rivers State.
Governor WIKE noted that the pronouncement unchained Rivers people and restored their rights to preside over their own affairs and pursue their development aspirations within a united Nigeria.
Governor WIKE further declared that the State Government under his leadership would execute a number of landmark projects throughout this year to mark the Golden Jubilee.
He called on the corporate community and individuals to partner with the Golden Jubilee Committee to make the celebration a success.
