Two prominent sons of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation and Dr Dakuku Peterside, immediate past Director General of NIMASA have felicitated with a former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada-George who has just turned 80.
While congratulating Chief Ada George, the Periplebo 1 of Okrika, Amaechi acknowledged the role the former Governor played in advancing the core interests of the Rivers people.
He said the former Governor inspired development and gave many young Rivers people during his tenure the opportunity to grow.
Amaechi congratulated him on the occasion of his 80th birthday, saying the Lord would grant him many more years of good health and service to his nation.
In his reaction, Dakuku Peterside described Chief Ada George as a “bridge-builder, patriot, gentleman, an Apostle of God and true father to generations.”0
Dr Peterside noted that Chief Ada-George, who is also the Peripelebo 1 of Wakirike nation, represents one of the best of his generation.
He said that the elder statesman contributed to the growth and development of the old Rivers State which has given birth to the present Rivers and Bayelsa states.
“As a father to so many of us”, Dakuku observed, he has always available “to share his experience and wisdom.
“He represents a generation that saw Nigeria’s march through the pains and gains; through the highs and lows.
“I was privileged to serve as National President of National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS) when he was Governor and I can testify to the strength of vision, his passion, love for young people and patriotic spirit.”
“His intervention in critical periods have been telling”, Dakuku stressed, describing the former Governor as someone who “carries himself with so much grace and mien.
“He is indeed a father that is so much loved by those who have come across him,” the former member of the House of Representatives, insisting that “Even though his tenure was short-lived, it was obvious that he had ideas about how to develop the state and harness her resources to the benefit of all.
Dakuku emphasized, “He had a plan to develop and expand infrastructural facilities and that shows how visionary he was.
“On the occasion of his 80th birthday, I want to wish “Daddy” as our father is called and an elder statesman much more glorious years ahead in good health, grace, and blessings of almighty God,”