Governor NyesomWike has lifted the 24hr curfew he had earlier imposed on some parts of Port Harcourt, as part of measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the state.
The Governor in a live broadcast on Thursday said the lifting of the restriction takes effect on Friday, April 3, 2020.
Wike, had on March 31, 2020, imposed the 24hr curfew from Education Bus Stop to Agip Junction along Ikwerre Road and Obiri Ikwerre Junction to Ozuoba, Rumualogu and Choba areas of the state, as he accused residents of these areas of disobeying his directives on the closure of markets.
In the same vein, Governor Wike, recalled the Chairman of Obio-Akpor LGA, Solomon Abel Eke, whom he had earlier suspended along with his deputy for not ensuring his directive on the closure of markets in the LGA, was fully adhered to.
“The recall of Eke should, however, serve as a warning to Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers who will allow markets to be open in their areas.” he said.
The Governor said: “With effect from tomorrow, April 3, 2020, the 24 hours curfew imposed from Education Bus Stop to Agip Junction along Ikwerre Road and Obiri Ikwerre Junction to Ozuoba, Rumualogu and Choba has been lifted.
“All borders and markets in the state remain closed. Following the interventions of some well-meaning citizens of the state, the suspension of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has been lifted.
“However, this should serve as a warning to Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers who will allow markets to be open in their areas.
“Residents of Mgbuosimini-Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area are hereby warned to desist from flouting government directive on closure of markets or be prepared to face unpleasant consequences.”
“Commercial vehicle operators will soon get appropriate directives on their operations in order to maintain social distancing.
“Implementation of palliatives to cushion the effect of recent directives on the citizens will soon take effect.
“Let me sincerely thank all of you for your patience and understanding all these days.
“As we continue to put in our best as human beings, we expect that the Almighty God will intervene on our behalf and wipe away this plague from our midst”.
Wike also called on international oil companies operating in state, to support the government in the fight against the Coronavirus by making donations.
