Governor Nyesom Wike, on Sunday stated that the government may consider giving palliatives to residents of Rivers State. Wike made the statement in an interaction with journalists after leading the COVID-19 taskforce to determine the compliance of churches with state directives to not allow more than 50 persons in a single service.
Wike thanked residents who complied with state directives but expressed his disappointment at a few churches that failed to execute the order issued by the state. On the issue of stimulus packages to residents, the Governor said: “When you talk of palliative, you are aware that the Federal Government gave Lagos State N10billion as support. And so many people in Lagos have also made various donations. But in this state, we have not received a dime from any person. For the time being, people should make the sacrifice. The issue of palliative will be in the second phase”.
The Governor had earlier, ordered the closure of all markets and workplaces in the state, while also restricting movements to and from other states. Since the lockdown, there have been calls, for the Governor to carry out measures to help cushion the effect of the closure of businesses, as residents continue to stay at home.
Wike also stated that in the coming weeks, the State Government may reverse some of its earlier decisions, as he urged residents of the state to maintain good hygiene and social distancing in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The virus has so far, killed over 30,000 persons globally.
