The Bayelsa State Government has refuted the claims circulating on social media that it ordered the closure of Swali Market on Friday.
The state government, in a statement, Commissioner of the Ministry of Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, posted on Governor Douye Diri’s Facebook page today, described the information as misleading and false.
According to the state government, the market wasn’t closed for the ongoing rite of passage for the Late Monarch, HRM King Godwin Gurosi Igodo.
The state government urged residents and indeed traders in Swali Market to go about their normal businesses without fear.
“Bayelsa State Government wishes to inform the general public and indeed traders that it has not approved the closure of Swali Market on account of the ongoing burial of the revered late monarch. Therefore, residents and indeed traders in Swali Market are advised to go about their normal businesses without fear.
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“Furthermore, the Government hereby advises the youth and members of the Attissa Clan to ensure that no trader or residents are prevented from doing the normal lawful engagement during the burial possession in and around the Swali market or anywhere within the State Capital”, said the government.
Additionally, the state government stated that relevant security agents are being mobilised to Ikoli Bridge to ensure a smooth traffic flow along the bridge.
The government maintained that the order was also to ensure that there was no street trading along that corridor.
“The full cooperation of all concerned is envisaged please.”
