24hrs After Demolition Of Hotels, Wike “Temporarily” Allows Businesses To Operate In Rivers

Barely twenty four hours after he demolished hotels for flouting the “no operation” order in Rivers in the fight against Covid-19, Governor Nyesom Wike has given a fresh directive that allows businesses to operate for two days.

The directive takes effect from Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

The Governor in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu stated “Consequently, we have given due consideration to the propositions on the way forward by well-meaning citizens of the State, and after a cautious review of the situation, decided to implement a partial relaxation of the lockdown measures, to enable residents to have some fresh air and replenish their foodstuffs and medicines

“To this end, I hereby announce the temporary lifting of the total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Governments Areas for two days only, with effect from Tuesday 12th May 2020.
“All shops, supermarkets, and malls can open to the public for Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 and 13 May 2020. Similarly, all hospitals and banks can also open and provide full services to the public;

“While oil and gas companies are required to submit the list of their staff on essential duties to Government, note that there is no ban on the lifting of petroleum products from depots and other receptacles. The total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas will be reinstated on Thursday 14th May 2020 and remain until further notice.”

The statement also asserted that other stipulations in the Executive Order on social distancing remain in force