GOVERNOR WIKE ANNOUNCES THE CLOSURE OF PUBLIC PARKS , NIGHT CLUBS, BARS AND CINEMAS INSIDE PORT HARCOURT

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Governor Wike has set up the following committee to supervise 

1. Sets up border surveillance  posts

2. Sets up Local Government Monitoring Teams

3. Bans Public Burials and Weddings 

4. Directs religious bodies to temporarily stop open worship 

In furtherance of the commitment of the Rivers State Government to protect residents of the state, Governor Wike on a Monday morning announced that beginning Tuesday morning, March 24, 2020, all public parks, night clubs, bars and cinemas will remain closed till further notice. 

In a State wild Broadcast on Monday morning, the Governor directed religious groups to temporarily stop all forms of open worship inside and out Port Harcourt 

He said: "with effect from the same date(Tuesday, March 24, 2020), all public parks, night clubs and cinemas in the State are to remain closed till further notice. 

"Similarly, after due consultations with religious leaders, it was agreed that all religious organisations are to temporarily stop all forms of public worship. Public burial and wedding ceremonies are also to remain close  within this period. 

"In view of the fact that the disease spreads fast through body contact, social distance has become imperative if we are to stop the spread of the virus. 

The Governor  therefore call  on all Religious Leaders, Traditional Rulers and Opinion Leaders, elder Statemen in the State to assist Rivers government to implement these decisions  by ensuring that persons under their care do not fall foul of this directive. "

The Governor directed all Local Government Council Chairmen to ensure that public burials, schools and weddings do not take place in their respective areas.

The Governor emphasized that Local Government Chairmen are to be held responsible if public burials and weddings take place in their Local Government Areas. 

"Government will set up  monitoring teams for the 23 Local Government Areas to ensure compliance of the process.  Defaulters will be seen as enemies of the State and will be made to face appropriate sanctions by laws.  

"My Dear Good People of Rivers State, the essence of governance is to protect lives and property of the state and we cannot be indifferent when this COVID-19 continues to claim lives world-wide.

"We urge everyone to remain calm and maintain social distance, so to contain the spread of the virus.  We shall continue to review the situation and adjust accordingly, not to put our people in hardship. 

"Like I said in my Broadcast last Friday, these decisions may seem painful for all of us but there is no price that is too much to pay for us to stay alive. "

The Rivers State Governor stated with effect from Tuesday, March 24, 2020, surveillance posts will be set up across the state.

"The Rivers State Government having reviewed current developments across the country is desirous to further strengthen prevention measures across the State to keep our citizens safe. 

"To this end, with effect from tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, 2020 , Surveillance Posts are to be set up at the following Borders of the State:

1.  Emohua for motorists coming from Bayelsa and States 

2.  Omerelu for motorists coming from Owerri

3. Okehi for motorists coming from Imo State through Etche

4. Akwuzie in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni  Local Government Area for motorists coming from Imo State

5. Oyigbo Toll Gate  for motorists coming from Aba and

6. Opoku in Khana Local Government Area for motorists coming from Akwa Ibom State.

"Marine entry points: Port Harcourt and Onne Ports , Nembe, Bille,Bonny and NLNG  Jetties are also going to be under surveillance.  Each of the Surveillance Posts shall be manned by trained health and security personnel who will ensure that motorists and seafarers are tested before they are allowed to enter the State. 

"All motorists and seafarers are please enjoined to cooperate with the Surveillance teams as they have been empowered to  legitimately enforce this directive," Governor Wike said. 

The Governor added: "I use this medium to call on citizens to minimise family visits . Rather , everyone should maintain contacts through the use of telephones. "

This broadcast was made available by Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, on Electronic Media.