In compliance with the directives of His Excellency, Governor Nyesom, Ezenwo Wike, the Special Adviser (S.A.) to the governor on Employment Generation, Hon (Barr) Emma Utchay has been leading the Elimgbu committee taskforce team on COVID-19 to monitor compliance of the total lockdown order declared on Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs on daily basis.
He warned that his Elimgbu Community will not take it lightly if the residents of the area decide to flout the directives of the Rivers State Government, adding that defaulters of the order will definitely face the full wrath of the law.
The S. A. made it clear that the lockdown order by the Rivers State Government is commendable and is actually aimed at protecting the people and curtailing the spread of the disease.
Addressing Journalists at the end of the exercise over the weekend, Hon. Utchay further commended Governor Wike and the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Hon. Solomon Eke for their positive contributions and sacrifices towards the health fight.
In his contribution the Elimgbu Youth President, Amb. Morgan Uche said that the directives of the government becomes imperative in order to prevent the virus from attacking the people.
Also in his reaction, the CDC Chairman of Elimgbu Community, Chief Nnaa Wobo appealed to residents and business owners operating in the Community to heed to the directives of the state government especially the restriction order as they are life saving measures.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Gerald Oforji towards his efforts in enforcing compliance of COVID-19 protocols has made surprise visits to the entry points in the area into the State to strictly enforce the lockdown directives.
At the Imo River bridge boundary with Abia State, human and vehicular movement without appropriate permit to be on the road were being stopped from entering Rivers State.
The Council boss took over the verification of permits presented by drivers and those with wrong documents were asked to reverse and prevented from entering the State.
Prince Oforji made it clear that there is no sleep or rest for stakeholders while the unseen common enemy-coronavirus is around the corner. “COVID-19 is an enemy that we must fight till it is completely defeated,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obio/Akpor Chapter, Hon. Chidi Amadi has commended the Recognized Traditional Rulers and their Chiefs in Council in the entire Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State for their genuine complementary strategies and efforts geared towards supporting the State government in achieving total lockdown which essence he said is to forstall the spread of COVID-19 in the State.
He disclosed that the Traditional Rulers in Obio/Akpor LGA had put in place adequate measures and strategies including very active committees saddled with the responsibility of ensuring adherence and compliance to the state wide broadcasts and directives of the Rivers State Government on how to combat the coronavirus in the State.
According to him, “the idea behind the lockdown is not to truncate economic activities or to inflict pains on the people as some persons implied, rather it is for the health benefits of all and sundry. The governor has good intentions for the State and therefore should be frankly supported to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic which is ravaging so many cities and human race today,” he stated.
Hon Amadi said that the synergy between the Monarchs and the Rivers State Government in this regard has enhanced compliance to the lockdown up to 95%.
He said it is hoped that the understanding between the duo will be maintained to achieve set goals.
