Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

In an unprecedented move, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State, has honoured a former Speaker of Old Rivers state, Rt. Hon. Claudius Enegesi, with one the highest awards of Rivers State, the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS).

Enegesi, a kinsman and political associate of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was honoured for his contributions as Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly to the growth of democracy in Rivers State.

He was commended for bringing noticeable changes in the polity during his tenure as Speaker of the Old Rivers State House of Assembly.

Wike as part of activities to round up the anniversary of his three years in office personally presented the award to Enegesi and other recipients including the national Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus.

Enegesi in an interview after the award ceremony commended Wike for his developmental strides in Rivers state and his decision to honour him after many years he served as Speaker.

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According to him it is delightful to note that his contributions to democracy in Rivers state through the legislative arm have not been forgotten.

While noting that he would not relent in his quest to make democracy thrive in Nigeria and the Niger Delta region urged the people of Rivers state to continue to rally round the Governor as he makes meaningful impact in the state.

“I want to appreciate the Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and the people of Rivers State for finding me worthy to be so recognised.

“I want to say I am ever grateful. This is unprecedented in the polity of Nigeria especially in the Niger Delta that after more than 20 years they still found my services in Rivers state to be so acknowledged.

“I commend the Rivers state government. I didn’t do what I did alone, so I want to commend my colleagues in old Rivers state House of Assembly who found me worthy under conditions that necessitated my emergence as Speaker.”