Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says the dualisation of the second phase of Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road was in fulfillment of the age-long dream of late former Attorney General of the state, Barinua Moses Wifa, SAN.
The governor also said that he was proud to identify with the life and times of Wifa, who was a prominent proponent of restructuring of Nigeria.
He made the assertion during the funeral service held in honour of late legal luminary at Kono, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State at the weekend.
The governor, who was represented by the Rivers State Head of Service, Barrister Rufus Godwin, noted that Wifa, who was also a one-time chairman of Port Harcourt branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), brought pride and glory to the state.
He explained that the on-going second phase of the dualisation of Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road was in honour of the former Attorney General, whom he described as one of the illustrious sons of Rivers State.
“His (Wifa) greatest wish was to have a road to Kono. It is very interesting that this wish got to the ears of Governor Nyesom Wike, a promise keeper; and he promised to extend the road to Kono, 17.2kilometres, and it will be completed with 14 months.
“This road will be the eternal monument to the memory of Nigeria’s illustrious son that Kono has the privilege and honour of producing”, he said.
He observed that many tributes have been paid to Wifa at the different events held in his honour, including a public lecture, during which several lawyers extolled his virtues at the Bar.
“Barrister Wifa lived well. He was a Godly person, he excelled in his profession, and he accomplished with unparalleled distinction, accomplishments for Ogoni, for Rivers State, and for Nigeria.”
Wike remarked that in the months ahead, Nigerians will be considering which way forward for the country amid the argument about restructuring of the country, which the late Wifa yearned for.
He stressed that at this critical juncture in the history of Nigeria, the country needs men of the class and calibre of Wifa, who will stand for truth, and render altruistic advise to government for the benefit of the people, and not one directed at provoking selfish gains.
“Wifa was very courageous man and truth was his weapon to confront everything he does not want to see, and he sowed seeds that are imperishable in the lives of men and women who came across him”, he added.
The governor used the occasion to once again convey the condolences of the government and people of Rivers State to the Wifa’s family, Kono community, Ogoni nationality, and to the legal profession that will find a deep gap in the rank and file of members of the inner Bar.
The body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) was led by former NBA President, Chief Onueze C. J. Okocha (SAN) to attend the funeral.
Eminent personalities present at the funeral include, Chairman, PDP, Rivers State, Amb Desmond Akawor; Senator Lee Maeba; Senator Magnus Abe; member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dum Dekor; and members representing Khana, Gokana, Tai constituencies in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
