Why We Developed Ada George – Rufus Ada George

• SIREF lauds Rivers Elders for their stabilising role in defence of Rivers interests

By PHC Telegraph

The former Governor of Rivers State and the leader of Rivers Elders, Chief Rufus Ada George has explained why a part of the State capital, including the major access road known today as Ada George Road was conceived

Addressing a body of Simplified Elders under the umbrella of SIREF who paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt, Chief Ada George said the idea behind his government’s effort was to decongest the State capital.

He explained that the state capital that he inherited as the governor many years ago required expansion in order to avert congestion.

The former Governor recalled how he went about trying to address problems associated with overcrowding as well as accommodation encountered by Rivers people and other residents in the old township area.

He disclosed that the foresight exhibited by his administration and the inputs of other governments led to the realisation of the bid to create access routes around the Elelenwo and Ada George axis.

Okilo Was My Boss:

Ada George referred to late Chief Melford Okilo under whom he served as Secretary to the State Government as his boss, leader and political mentor.

He said Rivers State has always operated a political structure which has helped to define its interest, saying no one can lay any claim to owning or controlling it.

The former governor observed that the structure put under the charge of state governors has passed from generation unto generation right from the Okilo days.

We Have Continued To Preach Peace: 

Chief Ada George disclosed that in everything that they do, the elders of Rivers State have continued to insist on the peace, unity and stability of the State.

This, he remarked, was responsible for their repeated calls for moderation and appeals for genuine cooperation and collaboration among Rivers people in order to promote proper understanding, progress and rapid development.

The leader of Rivers elders thanked members of SIREF for visiting him and assured them that elders would continue to work for the preservation of those bonds which unite the people.

Why We Came On The Visit:

Speaking while addressing the elder statesman, Iyke Thomas-Amadi, Convener of the Simplified Elders Forum, SIREF, said members of the group had come to the home of the leader on a thank you mission.

He said SIREF was impressed by the role played by elders, especially in promoting peaceful cohesion and the support that they have openly extended to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Convener observed that most politicians in Rivers State began their political journey under the tutelage of Chief Rufus Ada George.

He urged Ada George and elders of the State not to give up in their effort to ensure that Rivers State attains the enviable height which was envisaged by its founding fathers.

Earlier, Chief And Sara- Igbe had on behalf of Elders of the State thanked the Simplified Elders for paying the visits on their leader.

He described Chief Ada George as a tireless workaholic who continues to devote his time and energy to the service of the Rivers people

He said the time has come to close ranks in order to ensure that the State forges ahead in the overall interest of the nation.

Also speaking, Chief O.J Akiri, a retired bureaucrat recalled the days of the Ada George administration and what it was able to place on the table within the short period of its existence, particularly in achieving administrative excellence and rapid development.