Former, President Goodluck Jonathan, governor Nyesom Wike and former governors Odili,Omehia,Senator George Thompson Sekigbo were among about 127 persons honoured Saturday night by the Rivers state government at the ongoing golden jubilee anniversary celebration of the state.

Governor Nyesom Wike in his address said the award was in recognition of the various contributions of the awardees to the growth and development of the state. He also made a passing comment on former governor Chibuike Amaechi who declined the offer to be honoured by the stste government.

Former Military Administrators of the old Rivers state which includes Bayelsa were also honoured. They include the first Military Administrator, Alfred Diete Spiff, Dauda Komo, Shehu Musa, Anthony Ukpor, Ernest Adeleye, Group Captain Samson Ewang rtd.

Former governors who were also honoured were Chief Rufus Adams George, Sir Celestine Omehia. Wife of former President Jonathan, Mrs Patience Jonathan, late Harold Dapper Biriye, Ken Sarowiwa, Elechi Amadi were also among the list of the awardees.

Former governor Chibuike Amaechi was absent as he had in a press statement earlier declined the honour offered him by the state government, describing it as poisoned chalice.