The Greater Nigeria Assembly Forum (GNAF), a coalition of leaders of support groups in the just concluded 2023 general elections in Rivers State on Sunday, May 7, 2023 bestowed a special honour on former Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha.
Chief Tony Okocha at a brief ceremony in Port Harcourt was presented with a “Swagger Stick” and decorated in a unique way by the Forum.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Dr. Prince Adeleke-Jones said the honour on Okocha was to celebrate his numerous political achievements and also appreciate him for his role in the victories of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Rivers State Governor-elect, Sir Siminalayi Fubara at the polls.
Adeleke-Jones who disclosed that the leaders of different support groups in the just concluded 2023 general elections came together as a body and decided to move to a new (post election) phase to engage in promoting good governance and sustaining their relevance in the politics of the state and nation, described the honour on Tony Okocha as unique.
He said the honour symbolically places Chief Okocha in the office of his position in their minds and the nation as well.
He said the Forum which got inclusion into the Sim Fubara Movement in the buildups to the governorship elections in Rivers State, remains a family under the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Chief Tony Okocha.
He described Chief Okocha as one who stands for equity and fairness and follows it to the logical end, noting that the forum also acknowledged the due diligence Governor Wike gave as a support to ensure the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and also, in participating in the ascendancy of Sir Siminalayi Fubara as governor-elect in Rivers State.
“All these were the initiative of Tony Okocha and he deserves an award to that. That is why we decided to honour him for that exploit.
“This honour is symbolic and unique. It symbolizes his unique position in the heart and our position under you. We acknowledge you as our Leader and we need your guidance”.
Adeleke-Jones also commended Governor Nyesom Wike for his participation and alignment with the national body of APC which he said made it possible for Tinubu to win in Rivers State.
Responding, Chief Tony Okocha thanked the Greater Nigeria Assembly Forum for the honour, stressing that he was overwhelmed by the gesture.
He commended the forum for their show of love and respect for him, and promised never to let them down.
He thanked them for their efforts in making their political dream and the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winner of the February 25th presidential election a huge success and also for being part of the success story.
He however urged them not to rest on their oars but always remain focused even after the elections.
