In a broadcast on Wednesday, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said that the measure became necessary in view of recent developments.
He said: "It is with gratitude to God that I announce to you that our State would have been infected with coronavirus yesterday, but for the vigilance of security agents who, acting on a tip- off prevented an infected person from boarding a flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt.
"The infected person beat all security measures that were put in place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Abuja and was to sneak into Port Harcourt before security agents stopped her.
"Based on this alarming Information, the State Security Council met yesterday and reviewed measures already put in place and decided that there was urgent need to adopt stringent measures to protect those living and doing business in the state from the virus.
"The council has therefore taken the following painful decisions:
1. With effect from 6pm on Thursday, March 26, 2020 , the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa will not be open to air traffic. While we may not have the right to stop flights from entering Port Harcourt, we cannot allow anybody coming from the airport to enter our State. We are confident that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other federal agencies will cooperate with us.
2. All Land and Sea Borders will be closed.
3. Vehicular movements in an out of the state have been banned. In essence no vehicle will leave Rivers State for any other State and no vehicle will be allowed to enter the state.
Governor Wike said that the new measures will be in place till further notice.
He noted: "Let me reiterate that the situation we are facing requires drastic measures because coronavirus has ravaged many countries.
"Security Agencies have been empowered to strictly enforce this directive. There will be no room for sacred cows because the virus is no respecter of persons.
"May I once again call for the support and understanding of everyone living and doing business in Rivers State to help the relevant Government Agencies implement these measures to check the spread of coronavirus to the state."
The Rivers State Governor added: "At this time in our national life, we must shun primordial sentiments and face the reality on ground.
"I am confident that God being on our side , the temporary hardship we are facing today will come to an end very soon."
Governor Wike recounted earlier measures taken by the Rivers State Government to tackle coronavirus , emphasising that they were still in force.
He said: "In that broadcast, I announced the setting up of Surveillance Posts at our land and sea borders, beginning from Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
"I also informed you that after due consultations with Religious Leaders, all forms of open worship including crusades and vigils were banned.
"Public Burials and weddings were prohibited, while public parks, night clubs and Cinemas were directed to close down."
Something wey fit de here already
ReplyDeleteMost sensible governor by far! If burahi had done this same thing when the news of the virus broke, Nigeria would be safe by now, but no; they had to wait for it to enter and start spreading first. Rubbish lot
ReplyDeleteSo, Buhari should have closed border since December when it broke in Wuhan? No wahala. Buhari single handedly caused this worldwide problem.
DeleteOne confirmed case in Rivers already.. The Governor tried his best to prevent it but it finally entered.
ReplyDeleteI've been watching news a lot these days.. I see other world leaders giving daily updates on the measures taken to stop the spread of the virus in their counties even at state levels. I just wonder why our president is so camera shy to keep us updated with happenings in the country... The health Minister is trying and he's so articulate and you can tell he knows a lot from listening to him but our president no just follow at all.. Is it that he can't express himself very well or he's really sick or he's just not well informed of what's happening with the covid 19 in Nigeria which I doubt. Na wah.
Unfortunately, the defacto president who should speak has already caught it.
DeleteHealth experts give updates. Buhari has given his press conference and now he has to get out of the way so his medical experts can update. If you are looking at Trump he is injecting himself in the news to stay relevant bcos of election and is causing a lot of confusion.
DeleteIt's not just trump..UK prime minister and other presidents are giving updates too.. You will always see them with their health experts at their press release.
DeleteI went to the state teaching hospital yesterday RSUTH, there were washstand with infrared thermometers at point of entry.
ReplyDeleteBut I heard the doctors complaining of no PPE and masks.
Worst is that the intern doctors, pharmacists and the rest have not been paid since last year November from the gists I got from a nurse,i felt real pity for them and for our system . Why them no go run go UK after coronavirus die down?
I wonder what will happen to us if any of our people come to the hospital and the doctors and nurses are not motivated to take care of us. Let this virus just go away.
Even the gingered looking leaders are not really sincere .
Well, one case has been recorded in Rivers State today, except it has not been confirmed. I hope the necessary measures have been put in place to curtail it in case of 'incasity'.
ReplyDeleteVery sensible
ReplyDeleteWe are very appreciative of this measure taken so far. Kudos to his Excellency.
ReplyDelete