Posted by From FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa on
Former civilian governor of old Rivers state, Chief Melford Okilo who died last Saturday morning in Yenagoa would be given a state burial.
Former civilian governor of old Rivers state, Chief Melford Okilo who died last Saturday morning in Yenagoa would be given a state burial.
Governor Timipre Sylva, who made the announcement during a visit to the family of the late politician in Emakalakala, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, assured that the Bayelsa State government would liaise with the Rivers State Government to give the late Okilo a befitting burial.
'As a former governor, Chief Melford Obiene Okilo will be given a state burial with full honour. Bayelsa and Rivers state will work together to give our late father, Chief Okilo a befitting burial," he said.
Sylva also assured the people of Emakalakala that the village would not be the same again after the burial, adding that the government would put in place all necessary amenities that would make life comfortable for all those who would be visiting the village.
He described Okilo as a man of great vision, forthrightness, and a loving father as well as a good teacher.
According to him, the only tribute the people of the state could give to the late politician was to emulate his good deeds.
Sylva maintained that the late Okilo was a great man who, while alive, affected the lives of many people, the growth of his community and the state as a whole.
He recalled that Okilo was the one who first coined the name Bayelsa from Brass, Yenagoa and Sagbama local government areas.
While further extolling the virtues of Okilo, Sylva said the Imiringi gas turbine station the deceased initiated in 1980 remained the only credible source of electricity supply in the state.
He said Okilo was one of the greatest governors of the old Rivers State because, as a governor, he did so much with very little funds.
Consoling the relations, Sylva encouraged them to take heart and be strong as his death was a loss, not only to the family, but to the entire state.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. David Okilo lauded Sylva for his unflinching support to the family, stressing that God would continue to support him in all his endeavours.
He noted that Sylva's love for Okilo was not in doubt as he remained the only serving governor to have visited the late Okilo in his home town, Emakalakala when he was alive.