Governor Nyesom Wike has explained why his administration chose to impose stringent measures.
Wike said in a recorded broadcast that the measures were necessitated by a determination to keep the spread of the Coronavirus at bay.
“We are faced with an invisible and deadly enemy, which we can only ignore, dismiss or toy with at our own peril. COVID-19 is a disease you cannot wish even for your worst enemy.
“This was why we imposed some of the most extreme measures you can ever imagine, painful as they are, to fight and keep the transmission of coronavirus in Rivers State under control as commanded by both law and duty.”
The Governor expressed happiness over the vigilance of the Rumuigbo people which led to the arrest of a truck loaded with cows and some persons from the North.
He announced a N5 million reward for the tip which led to the arrest of those who are being accused of breaking the law, vowing that the violators would be summarily dealt with.
“As a Government, a strong one for that matter, we have the responsibility to act decisively on the side of the law to safeguard the safety of our State and its residents.
“Consequently, we will not shirk in this duty and unleash the full and severe weight of the law against any person or body of persons, who attempts to put themselves and other innocent people at the risk of spreading this disease in Rivers State.
“While we appreciate the intervention and plea of clemency from well-meaning Rivers citizens, it is our position not to condone any sentiments on this matter because of the seriousness of the situation”, Wike stressed.
He further remarked, “What we can assure everyone is that all those arrested for violating the relevant Executive Orders would certainly have their day in court and due process would be the hallmark of any punishment that they may suffer if duly convicted as prescribed by our ordinary laws.”
While Wike thanked the people for their level of compliance to orders issued in respect of the lockdown, he urged them to remain dogged and resolute.
“Therefore, while we cannot overstate the gravity of our present predicament, nobody should be surprised should Rivers State witness exponential increases in the infection and spread of COVID-19 cases in the days and weeks ahead as we begin intense testing.
“Nevertheless, our resolve and commitment remain strong and total.
“As we continue to urge everyone of us to treat this as a matter of life or death, our message to you remains constant: obey our directives to stay at home and protect yourself, your family and our State from the spread of COVID-19. “There is certainly no choice on this. Staying at home and staying safe for now is not just mandatory; it is the best available option in the circumstance” GovernorWike added.
