*Rivers State Governor, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike making a point at an interview
By Roseline Ojiugo (with agency report)
Following the fear that Coronavirus (COVID-19) ravaging Rivers State like it is doing some states in the country, the Revers State government under the firm leadership of Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has again threatens to demolish markets in the state that flout Covid-19 directives. Recall that the governor had earlier demolished a full-blown hotel for similar offense.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Paulinus Nsirim warned that some markets in the state might be demolished for flouting the order of the government that trading should stop at the markets because of COVID-19. Although the demolition of the hotel attracted all manner of attacks to the governor, but it does appear that he is not about to stop until his state is declared free from COVID-19 by health experts.
Severally, the governor have been spotted at different times during the lockdown intercepting Rivers State residents on the road and placing them on immediate arrest for defiling the stay at home order, which was why the commissioners this time around stated that the continued flouting of government’s directives will attract the anger of the governor again. Should the disobedience continue, Nsirim said the five markets in the state might be shut down permanently for flouting the directives.
He said, “The Rivers Government wishes to draw the attention of the general public that Mbiama Market has been closed down. Any attempt to continue trading activities at Mbiama Market will lead to complete demolition of the market. The commissioner named Oginigba Market and two others as markets notorious for disobeying Gov. Nyesom Wike that the markets should be closed.
“The government warns that anybody who goes to Oginigba Market for any form of business will face the full wrath of the law. Similarly, Oil Mill Market has been closed and as such all those using Igbo-Etche Road as an alternative market are warned to desist forthwith or risk destruction of their goods. Government has not approved any goat market at the Eleme/Ahoada stretch of the East-West road in the state,” NAN reports.
