Gov Wike lifts COVID-19 curfew on parts of Port Harcourt

The Rivers State government led by Governor Nyesom Wike has moved to lift the COVID-19 curfew imposed in parts of the state to stem the spread of the deadly disease which has claimed two lives thus far in the country.

Governor Wike in a Thursday evening broadcast said that the lifting of the COVID-19 curfew (an aggressive measure to check the spread of coronavirus in the state) on parts of the Port Harcourt metropolis takes effect on Friday, April 3, 2020.

The governor said the lifting of the curfew follows widespread residents’ outcry on alleged abuses and brutality on perceived defaulters by security operatives including court arraignment and remand in correctional center of over 200 suspected violators

Wike also used the opportunity to lift the suspension imposed on Solomon Eke, Chairman Obio/Akpor Local Government Area along with his deputy whose locality much of the defaulting residents’ were found.

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He said the recall of Eke should, however, “Serve as a warning to Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers who will allow markets to be open in their areas.”

The governor further said, “All borders and markets in the state remain closed. Residents of Mgbuosimini-Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area are hereby warned to desist from flouting Government directive on closure of markets or be prepared to face unpleasant consequences.”

“Commercial vehicle operators will soon get appropriate directives on their operations in order to maintain social distancing”.

On widespread calls for palliative over the pandemic, he said, “Implementation of palliatives to cushion the effect of recent directives on the citizens will soon take effect. International Oil Companies operating in the state should support government by donating towards containment of the virus.”

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