Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has ordered government-recognised traditional rulers to set up task force in their respective town to enforce the closure of hotels, markets and beer parlours across the state.

The governor, who gave this instruction while addressing the traditional rulers in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020, said the closure was imperative to curbing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the state.

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 implored the traditional rulers to work with his administration to contain the transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

He also urged local government chairmen to support the traditional rulers to carry out the instruction, lamenting that the Federal Government was playing double standards with the issue of relocating 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 remarked that his administration would ensure the state’s borders remain closed, even as he tasked local government chairmen to take more stringent measures to end the influx of persons.

The governor warned that from Thursday, May 7th, 2020 that if any shop is found open in Obio/Akpor or Port Harcourt Local Government Area, the building would be demolished.

On the shutdown of markets, the governor said that the State Food Purchasing Committee headed by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government would buy all the foodstuffs and distribute them to the people.

Commenting on the compulsory use of face masks, Wike said that politicians and traditional rulers should set an example.

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.

The governor urged the people of Rivers State not to wait for Federal Government’s support, but concentrate on the strategies to minimise the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

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.

I response to the governor, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, commended Wike for involving the traditional rulers in the fight against coronavirus contagion.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.