… Meet with religious leaders
By: Felix Ikpotor
As the cases of coronavirus continue to increase in the country, more drastic measures have been taken by the Rivers State Government to stop the spread of the virus into the state.
Rivers is the one of the metropolitan states yet to record any positive case of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
Governor Nyesom Wike in a statewide broadcast announced that air, sea and land routes into the state will be closed to traffic, beginning 6am, Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Wike said that the measure became necessary after Rivers state escaped recording a case of the global pandemic.
The Governor said, “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: 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.
“All Land and Sea Borders will be closed.
“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.
“Let me reiterate that the situation we are facing requires drastic measures because coronavirus has ravaged many countries.
Wike said that the new measures will be in place till further notice.
The government had Tuesday ban all forms of open worship including crusades and vigils, public Burials and weddings were prohibited, while public parks, night clubs and Cinemas were directed to close down.
Meanwhile, the governor has appealed to religious leaders in the state to cooperate with his administration in enforcing precautionary measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking during a meeting with religious leaders at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike urged the religious leaders to work with the state Government to fight the pandemic.
He said “This is a trying period. The State Government owes the society a responsibility to protect lives and property.
“This is an interface to inform you of the measures that the State Government is taking.”
He urged the Churches and Mosques to ensure social distancing of about 50 persons who worship at a particular time.
The Governor advised all religious groups to spread out their worship time to admit fewer people per time.
Governor Wike informed the religious leaders that his administration has set up surveillance teams to test all people coming into the state.
He said, “Health issue is very important. Nobody should trivialize health issues.”
The Governor said that only government directive will apply in the state at this time.
He said that markets are yet to be shut down due to the current economic situation.
Responding, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu said that clerics have been directed to restrict attendance of church services to check the spread of coronavirus.
Regional pastor of Redeemed Christian church of God, Pastor Kale Obunge said that the church has already taken measures to restrict the numbers of worshippers in the churches.
A Catholic Priest, Mognr Pius Kii, informed the Governor that the church is already working to stop huge numbers in any church service.
Apostle Zilly Aggrey, said steps should be taken on the issue of lock down of cities.
Also speaking, Imam Idris of Rumuolumeni Mosque assured the Rivers State Governor that Muslims in the state will comply with the directive of the State Government.
