Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Friday promised to roll out palliatives to cushion the effects of restrictive measures put in place by his administration to stop the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Wike in a statewide broadcast, however, insisted that all borders and markets in the state remained closed till further notice.
He urged international oil companies operating in the state to support the government by donating for the containment of the virus.
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.
“All borders and markets in the state remain closed. 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.”
