The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has banned vehicular movements in and out of the state.
The decision was made following a reports of how Airport security agents intercepted a Coronavirus patient who plans to board a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja going to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to the Governor, it takes the vigilance of security agents who, acting on a tip- off prevented a Coronavirus infected person from boarding a flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt.
He further revealed that the infected person beat all security measures that were put in place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and was to sneak into Port Harcourt before security agents stopped her.
It is with gratitude to God that I announce to you that our State would have been infected with coronavirus yesterday, but for the vigilance of security agents who, acting on a tip- off prevented an infected person from boarding a flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt. #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/JjE3LoetHY
— Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (@GovWike) March 25, 2020
Based on this Information, Governor Wike has said that the State Security Council met yesterday and reviewed measures already put in place and decided that there was urgent need to adopt stringent measures to protect those living and doing business in the state from the virus.
He added that “The council has therefore taken the following painful decisions:
1. With effect from 6pm on Thursday, March 26, 2020 , the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa will not be open to air traffic.
Mr. Wike who noted that while they may not have the right to stop flights from entering Port Harcourt, but his administration cannot allow anybody coming from the airport to enter our State.
“We are confident that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other federal agencies will cooperate with us”, the governor said via his twitter page.
2. All Land and Sea Borders will be closed.
3. Vehicular movements in an out of the state have been banned. In essence no vehicle will leave Rivers State for any other State and no vehicle will be allowed to enter the state.
2. All Land and Sea Borders will be closed.
3. Vehicular movements in an out of the state have been banned. In essence no vehicle will leave Rivers State for any other State and no vehicle will be allowed to enter the state.#COVIDー19
— Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (@GovWike) March 25, 2020
Parts of the statement signed by the governor reads thus…
“Security Agencies have been empowered to strictly enforce this directive. There will be no room for sacred cows because the virus is no respecter of persons”.
“I announced the setting up of Surveillance Posts at our land and sea borders, beginning from Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
“I also informed you that after due consultations with Religious Leaders, all forms of open worship including crusades and vigils were banned., the governor concluded.
