Wike Berates FG For Politicising COVID19 Fight

Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has berated the Federal Government for politicizing the fight against the spread of coronavirus,  describing the selective support to states as unfortunate.

In a broadcast on Sunday,  Governor Wike condemned the exclusion of Rivers State from the Federal Government grants in the fight against coronavirus.  He noted that despite the exclusion of the state, Federal Government has continued to endanger the State by flying expatriates into Rivers State.

He said: “It is quite unfortunate that the containment of coronavirus has been politicized by the Federal Government. While Lagos State received a grant of N10billion as a commercial hub, Rivers State as the nation’s oil and gas hub that produces a greater percentage of the nation’s wealth has not received any support from the Federal Government.

“One wonders why Federal Government should single out a state out of 36 States to give support.  Does it mean that support will come when a State has a record of over 50 infected persons before it gets support.  No state should be seen as more important than any other state. This is a Federal Republic.  No state is superior to others.

“Rivers State is entitled to support from the Federal Government.  Every day, we are inundated with letters from the Federal Government to allow oil companies to fly in expatriates to drill Oil. Then we ask, what is the status of those coming from Lagos? Nobody has told us their status as regards coronavirus.

“If they come to come Rivers without us knowing their status, what will be implication assuming they have the virus.”

Governor  Wike announced that all markets in the state shall operate between  7am and 12noon on April 7 and April 8, 2020 to allow residents shop for Easter and also replenish their stock of foodstuffs.

He declared that Oil Mill Market, Mbiama Market  and Slaughter Market will remain closed till further notice.

The Governor announced the dissolution of the board of RTC for the notorious operation of illegal franchise scheme.

Governor Wike directed security agencies to fish out and prosecute persons who slaughter animals in the Bush for public consumption.

He said:” Our people must understand that lives are more important than profit.

“We are constrained to note again that despite our directive,  commercial vehicle operators have refused to maintain social distancing.  Their action portends grave danger because they place the entire society at risk of the virus. “

Governor Wike gave an update on the state’s index case, saying that she will be discharged soon.

He said: “We are grateful to God that the index case of the virus is now negative.  As soon as we receive the confirmation result, she will be discharged from the treatment centre.  We also thank our frontline health professionals who have displayed a deep sense of professionalism and patriotism during this trying period.”

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