Oil Worker Imported COVID-19 To PH From Lagos

In continuation of the fight to check the spread of coronavirus,  Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has announced the compulsory use of face masks in the state.

The governor has also given stern warnings to oil workers alleging that an oil worker imported the virus to the state after a short visit to Lagos. He said the oil worker breached the lockdown in the state after compromising the security personnel in the state.

Governor Wike also stated that the State Security Council will in the next 24 hours take stringent measures against commercial transport operators for their failure to observe social distancing.

He said: “The wearing of face mask in all public places is now compulsory throughout the State.

“The State’s Security Council will meet in the next 24 hours to consider and approve necessary mitigating measures for commuters, including the deployment of Government buses to shuttle designated public routes free of charge.”

Speaking on the  state of COVID-19 transmission in Rivers State, Governor Wike recounted the pattern of transmission and the obvious sabotage by security agencies which has frustrated efforts to check the spread of coronavirus.

He said: “The logical conclusion therefore, is that the pattern of transmission of COVID-19 in the State is evidentially predicated on outside importation just as the rate of infection and progression is also relatively low and arithmetical, when considered from the date of the index case.

“Generally, we believe that unless there is a sudden and vertical slide into community transmission, we expect our COVID-19 infection and prevalent rate to continue along this low trajectory, which gives us the assurance that our hard work is paying off and Rivers State is certainly not in any dangerous position when compared to most other States, and we will never be by God’s special grace.

“This is not to say that we are at the peak of this crisis and that everything about the containment and transmission of COVID-19 is under control. No; we are not, because of the challenges occasioned primarily by the negative elements that continue to undermine and sabotage our efforts to protect our people from this disease.

“For instance, the 7th infected case was an offshore oil and gas worker who went and passed a night in a Lagos hotel before returning to Port Harcourt on the 9th of April 2020 with the aid of the security personnel manning our borders. When his symptoms started, he was admitted to a private hospital, (St. Martin’s Hospital) on the 20th and discharged on the 21st of April 2020. Had the security agencies not compromised their responsibility at the borders, this man would have been prevented from coming into Port Harcourt with this virus and threaten the lives of other people for over two weeks before he was evacuated to the treatment center.”

The Governor regretted that the Federal Government is yet to support the Rivers State Government in the fight against coronavirus.  He described as unfortunate the situation where the NCDC is yet to establish a  laboratory in Rivers State.

Governor Wike said that following the fact that an oil worker from the rig tested positive,  the State Government will review all the permits granted oil companies to move workers to oil platforms.

He said: “When you raise these issues,  some local politicians seeking governorship ticket, say that we must beg. It is a matter of cooperation to ensure the safety of our people.

“Let nobody deceive these oil companies.  They should not risk the lives of their workers.  We are seeking the support of oil companies to save the lives of our people.  Nobody is saying don’t drill oil,  but it must be done with the consideration of the safety of Rivers people.”

On Palliatives by the Federal Government,  Governor Wike said that Rivers state Government rejected the food Palliatives , because the rice was contaminated and bad for consumption.

“The rice has expired and we cannot go to Cross River to go and collect contaminated rice,” he said.

The Governor regretted that even at the time of war against coronavirus,  the Federal Government is playing politics with the security agencies.

“All the security personnel involved in the arrest of those who invaded the state during the fight against coronavirus have been transferred.  The Commissioner of Police,  the Director DSS and the Air Force Commander have been transferred.

“If they cannot work with State Governments to fight coronavirus,  then we should expect problem in the future.  I pity the security personnel. Once they put in their best, they are transferred.

“That is why we have set up out Task Force on Border Closure to ensure that they don’t compromise our borders,” he said.

Commenting on the deportation of Almajiris,  Governor Wike said if it started from Rivers state,  the Federal Government would have vehemently opposed the idea.

He said: “I thank God this came from our northern brothers.  The Kaduna State Government said most of the Almajiris have tested positive to coronavirus.  If I were the first person the Federal Government would have declared that nobody has the right to deport a Nigerian.  Now,  because it came from them, the Federal Government has supported them.”

He noted that the Rivers State Government is working hard to sanitize the state by removing those who are likely to transmit coronavirus from the streets.

On the Palliatives by Private Sector Coalition,  Governor Wike said that the State Government will not accept such Palliatives until Rivers farmers and fishermen are patronised.  He said that the coalition must as of necessity,  buy from Rivers Farmers and Fishermen before their foodstuffs will be accepted.

Commenting on the N11billion unilaterally withdrawn from the Federation Account and handed over to the police, Governor Wike said that he has directed the State Attorney General to drag the Federal Government to court. 

He said: “Our lawyers will prepare our papers and we will go to court.  Nobody says you cannot support the police,  but you must get the consent of states before taking their money.  I have told the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum  that Rivers State will challenge this matter in court.”

Responding to a question on the planned quarantine of NCDC officials by the Cross River State Government,  Governor Wike said though the government of Cross River State is right, if it had been from him, the permanent critics would have been at their worst.

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