Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has directed government-recognised traditional rulers to set up task force in the respective communities to enforce the closure of markets, hotels and beer parlours across the state.
Wike, who gave this directive while addressing the traditional rulers in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said the shutdown was necessary to slowdown the spread of coronavirus.
The governor said, “Set up your own task force in your respective domains and implement the closure of markets, hotels and beer parlours. This task force is strictly for COVID-19. The state government will support all traditional rulers to carry out these responsibilities.”
Wike pleaded with the traditional rulers to work with his administration to check the transmission of the coronavirus pandemic.
He also called on council chairmen to support the traditional rulers to deliver on the directive, regretting that the Federal Government had started playing double standards with the issue of relocation of Almajirai.
He said, “When they started relocating the Almajirai in the North, the Federal Government said nothing. Immediately they heard that we have relocated some Almajirai, they came up with the declaration that it is against the inter-state movement; why this double standard?”
Wike noted that his administration had continued to work on the state’s borders to ensure that they remained closed, even as he charged local government chairmen to take more stringent measures to stop the influx of persons.
The governor warned that from Thursday, any shop that opened in Obio/Akpor or Port Harcourt Local Government Area, the building would be demolished.
On the closure of markets, Wike said that the State Food Purchasing Committee headed by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government would purchase all the foodstuffs and distribute them to the people.
Commenting on the compulsory use of face masks, the governor said that he would use politicians and traditional rulers as examples.
“I want to use politicians and traditional rulers as examples if they fail to wear face masks in their cars. If you are not wearing face masks in your cars, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Wike advised Rivers people not to wait for the support of Federal Government but concentrate on the strategies to reduce the spread of the virus.
“Go home and tell your people, anywhere I see a market operating, the traditional ruler will lose his recognition. We must check people entering our state and don’t wait for the support of the Federal Government. Let’s work to reduce the number.
“As the hotels remain closed, those coming in will have nowhere to stay. When we are safe, we can enjoy. I am not doing this because I hate anyone, but it is for the protection of our people. No human being will see death and embrace it. We cannot kill ourselves. The only solution is to ensure social distancing and proper hygiene.”
Responding, Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, thanked the governor for involving the monarchs in the fight against coronavirus.