Governor Nyesom Wike who threatened to impose a fresh lock down may have bowed to pressures that are coming from Rivers people as governments all over the country tinker with the idea of what to do about the resurgence of the Coronavirus.
The Governor who addressed the people of the State early on the first day of January rather urged respect for established protocols put in place by the NCDC for the prevention of the much dreaded disease.
The disease which made its landfall last year had impacted negatively on the global economy, setting off a set of chain reactions which have resulted in a recession.
Nigeria is technically going through a recession at this time, with most hardworking Nigerians opposed to the reintroduction of lock downs that would confine them to their homes.
Wike said the demolition of illegal structures, particularly those which affect the easy flow of vehicular traffic and endanger innocent lives will begin in a couple of days.
“I wish to express my dismay at the continued flouting of the ban on trading and creation of illegal motor parks and mechanic workplaces as well as the erecting of illegal kiosks along our streets and other public places”, Governor Wike said during the broadcast.
“Apart from constituting public nuisances, these activities and structures obstruct traffic flow and pose serious threat to security to the extent that no state government can tolerate.
“We have no option but to order the immediate clampdown and put a final stop to these illegal operations from the 4th of January 2021”, the Governor added.
The Governor assured Rivers people of the determination of his administration to keep them safe and happy.
Wike’s threat in December to force citizens to remain at home has drawn the ire of Rivers people on the social media.
Most had told the governor on various platforms that the idea of a lock down is a “no, no”, warning that it could be counter-productive.
KrisCoder@CkinateKinate noted in a tweet, “They should stop this nonsense of lockdown, because they hear that there is increase in US and UK, that is why they are increasing the number here. What’s wrong with this people and this country?”
Nwachukwu Darlington@Ceo_Coldclan remarked, “The funny thing and foolishness in Nigeria lockdown is when they are copying foreign countries, they do lockdown to protect their people cause they know they treat u for free. But Nigeria way if you u sick na u go treat urself follow dae do. Even corona test u must pay”
Papito @LordJay999 said “Abeg abeg, someone should tell him Akpajo, Elelenwo, Eleme and Oyigbo don’t have light please. Before any lock down should occur it should be treated, I can’t die of boredom @GovWike”
@CynthiaNwachukwu, “he shouldn’t give us another lockdown, biko” while NengiThe SuperStar @ChezzyTalks advised the Governor, “Wike pls don’t be stiff with us o.”
In the meantime, the people are heaving sighs of relief as the feeling that government has abandoned the idea of a lock down gains currency.
But small time businesses and artisans who operate at street corners and roadsides are not as lucky.
Their ‘shanty business points’ will not be spared as government pursues its policy of giving the state capital a facelift.
Beginning from the 4th of January 4th, 2021, the new year gift that is coming from Governor Wike is the demolition of their stalls and kiosks.
It is not clear if these traders and artisans like motor mechanics would have sufficient time before the bulldozers go to work.
We have learnt that the appropriate Ministry saddled with the responsibility is getting set to demolish illegal structures.