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Wike soft pedals, releases ExxonMobil staff unconditionally

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Rivers State government on Sunday announced the unconstitutional release of the 22 staff of oil firm, ExxonMobil who were arrested for flouting the state’s lockdown order.

It would be recalled that the state government had banned all entries into the state through land, sea and air in a bid to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in the state, Professor Zaccheus Adangor who made the announcement in a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, Simon Nwankaudu, said their release was unconditional and that the state would no longer press charges against the oil workers.

“They were released following interventions by well-meaning Nigerians”, the commissioner was quoted as saying.

Read also: US evacuates additional 340 nationals from Nigeria over COVID-19

According to the statement, Professor Adangor monitored the release of the oil workers at the State Isolation Centre at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, adding that the Rivers Government remains resolute on implementing her measures to check the spread of coronavirus.

It would also be recalled that a security team led by the redeployed Rivers Commission of Police, Mastapha Dandaura, had on April 16 arrested the 22 Exxon Mobil staff as they entered the state through her borders with Akwa Ibom in violation of the State Executive Order.

The order pronounced by Governor Nyesom Wike, stipulates that Health Authorities ascertain the coronavirus status of those entering the state from land, water or air routes even if on essential duty.

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