Governor Nyesom Wike on Thursday lifted the curfew he imposed on some parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs, as part of measures to tackle the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Following the opening of markets, Wike imposed the curfew on Education Bus Stop to Agip Junction along Ikwerre Road and Obiri Ikwerre Junction to Ozuoba, Rumualogu and Choba.
Wike, who said the curfew would cease from April 3, also lifted the suspension of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Simeon Nwaukudu, Special Assistant on Electronic Media to the governor in a statement said: “With effect from Tomorrow, April 3, 2020, the 24 hours curfew imposed from Education Bus Stop to Agip Junction along Ikwerre Road and Obiri Ikwerre Junction to Ozuoba, Rumualogu and Choba has been lifted.
“All borders and markets in the state remain closed. Following the interventions of some well-meaning citizens of the state, the suspension of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has been lifted.
“However, this should serve as a warning to Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers who will allow markets to be open in their areas.
“Residents of Mgbuosimini-Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area are hereby warned to desist from flouting government directive on the closure of markets or be prepared to face unpleasant consequences.”
“Commercial vehicle operators will soon get appropriate directives on their operations in order to maintain social distancing.
Wike said that this administration was working out palliative measures to cushion the effect of the sit-at-home directive.
He said: “Implementation of palliatives to cushion the effect of recent directives on the citizens will soon take effect.
“International Oil Companies operating in the state should support the government by donating towards the containment of the virus.
“Let me sincerely thank all of you for your patience and understanding all these days.
“The sacrifices we are all making have greatly helped us not to record any positive case since the index case was reported.
“As we continue to put in our best as human beings, we expect that the Almighty God will intervene on our behalf and wipe away this plague from our midst. May I, therefore, urge you all to continue to seek the face of God as we earnestly await His divine intervention”.
