Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has commended Rivers people for complying with the lockdown declared by the State Government to check the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking with journalist after monitoring the level of compliance on Thursday, Governor Wike said that the level of compliance is up to 95percent.
He thanked the Army, the Navy and others on what they are doing to enforce the lockdown.
In the course of monitoring the level of compliance, Governor Wike arrested several violators and impounded cars.
Governor Wike also arrested some very important persons (VIPS), who were not on essential duties, but were moving around with their police escorts.
At the Elekahia Isolation Centre, over 200 persons have been arrested and over 20 vehicles impounded by different teams enforcing the lockdown. They are to face the full weight of the law.
Governor Wike said that the defaulters will be tried by the Mobile Courts and impounded vehicles would be auctioned. He said those arrested will face the wrath of the law. So that no one will sabotage the effort of the government to protect the people.
Adding that what they are doing is not for any particular individual, but for the interest of the state.
He regretted that the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command moved to sabotage the lockdown by issuing illegal letters to companies.
“The Deputy Commissioner of Police will sign approvals for companies because he wants to collect money. I am the Governor of this state and there cannot be two governors,” he said.
He said the approvals issued by the police or any other authorities, outside the office of the Rivers State Governor are illegal.
The governor further said that the Deputy Commissioner of Police has no powers to issue approvals when the State Government has locked down the state.
Governor Wike assured Rivers people that the lockdown will be lifted as soon as the objective is achieved.
He said: “Our people are suffering, I agree. But this is something we must do. When we examine the level of compliance and it is reasonable, of course, we will unlock the two Local Government Areas.
