Governor Nyesom Wike announces temporary lifting of lockdown in Rivers

Governor Nyesom Wike has announced a two-day temporary lifting of the total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas from Tuesday May 12 2020 to Wednesday May 13, 2020.

The governor announced this in a statewide broadcast on Sunday night.

According to Wike, the temporary lifting of the lockdown is for residents to restock foodstuffs and medicines to their homes. He said the lockdown will be reinstated on Thursday May 14.

“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.”

“Compulsory wearing of face mask or scarfs in vehicles and public places; Closure of all land, sea and air borders and entry routes into the State; and Closure of all open markets, including slaughters, hotels, guest houses, cinemas, bars and restaurants; and Ban on gathering, including public burials, weddings, and religious gathering of more than 50 persons. Once again, thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

“Please note that our enemy is invisible. Stay at home, maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly and stay safe” he said

Recall that the governor placed Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas on total lockdown as part of the state government’s measures to check the spread of coronavirus. The 24-hour total lockdown took effect on Thursday May 7.

On Sunday May 10, the governor supervised the demolition of two hotels for flouting the lockdown order in the state.