Most Ikwerre elements, especially within the Port Harcourt and Obio/Alpor axis, may become the first to challenge what they see as the draconian orders that are being rolled out by the State Government.
Government insists through its major spokesman, Governor Nyesom Wike, that the complete lockdown of parts of the State is the best measure to take at this time.
Wike has publicly admitted that if a surge is reported in the spread of the virus, the State’s medical institutions might be unable to cope.
The Ikwerres occupy four local government areas, namely Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Emohua.
Most of the resistance, especially to trading bans and other forms of social life, has occurred in PHALGA and Obio/Akpor where midnight markets have become operational.
No less than 180 persons have been arrested and prosecuted as Government rallies to ensure that its orders are widely respected.
It is however becoming clear that most of those who ought to empathize with the State government are rather suspicious of the impact such measures introduced for the benefit of waging a war against COVID-19 would have on them.
Asked one resident, “How are we going to survive when we are now being ordered to stay at home with nothing to eat?
“Wike should realise that he is governing human beings; and not animals; so Government policies and guidelines must reflect the feelings and personal welfare of the people.”
Most of Tuesday evening, the issue of what to do in the face of what Government terms a “24-hour lockdown” occupied the front burner.
For now, the situation is dicey. More than 14 persons have tested positive to the virus.
The astronomical increase from three confirmed cases about a week ago to more than 13 cases at this time is rather baffling.
Said another worried resident of Ikwerre extraction who did not want his name in print, “tempers are flaring everywhere. People are really concerned. Government may have good intentions, but it must take cognisance of the feeling of the people.”