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RSG Clears Air On Arrest Of Caverton Pilots …Accuses FG Of Politicising Efforts To Prevent COVID-19 Spread …As Nsirim Affirms Wike’s Commitment To Care Of Underprivileged
The Rivers State Government has stated that the story being carried in some media that the two pilots and 10 passengers of Caverton Helicopters who were arrested by the state government because they acted to the directives of the Ministry of Aviation, is misleading.
Stating this in a press briefing, last Saturday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, said that on the contrarily, the arrest was made because the pilots repeatedly disobeyed the Executive Order of the governor to the effect that everyone coming into the state must present themselves for health checks to determine their Coronavirus status.
According to Nsirim, “Contrary to the view being peddled by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the two pilots of Caverton Helicopters and their 10 passengers were not arrested because they operated a permit granted them by the Ministry of Aviation.
“They were arrested because they constantly contravened the Executive Order issued by the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, which requires that everyone coming into the state for essential duties subject themselves to mandatory health checks to ascertain their Coronavirus status”.
He stated that before their arrests, the Rivers State Government had issued several warnings to Caverton and other operators to ensure that their pilots and passengers are tested by Rivers State Health Authorities, but that Caverton Helicopters had disregarded the warnings.
“At the last count, Caverton Helicopters ferried over 220 passengers into the state without allowing health professionals of the Rivers State Government ascertain their Coronavirus status. They also refused to avail the state government their contacts, so they can be traced and tested”, he said.
While stating that the state government was more committed to the protection of the lives of over six million Rivers people, rather than issue landing permits to airlines, or contending for the control of the airspace, Nsirim said, “The issue on ground has nothing to do with the Exclusive List.
“The focus of the Rivers State Government is to ensure that nobody under the guise of transporting workers on essential services, ferry in persons who will compromise our health system. Therefore, these pilots and passengers must be subjected to health checks before they carry out their responsibilities. That is standard practice”.
It is for the same reason, Nsirim noted, that the Federal Government has isolated Chinese doctors they invited into the country to assist in the fight against the Coronavirus.
“The Federal Government, as we speak, has quarantined Chinese doctors who are in the country on invitation of the operators of the Exclusive List. These Chinese doctors will be isolated for 14 days as a precaution before they mix with Nigerians. If the Federal Government has done that in Abuja for Chinese officials that they invited, why do they insist that persons coming into Rivers State must enter the state without health checks?”, Nsirim asked.
He noted that, given the foregoing, the aviation minister’s claim that the arrest was effected because Caverton Helicopters’ operations were based on permit granted them by the Ministry of Aviation amounts to an “indecent and reckless politicisation of the fight to check the spread of Coronavirus by agents of the Federal Government, especially as it relates to Rivers State”.
The information boss added that, “From all indications, it is clear that there is a plot to compromise the health of Rivers people. Otherwise, what is the motive for the grandstanding and the sponsorship of false editorials to mislead Nigerians by agents of the Federal Government?
“The Rivers State Government urges the Federal Government to direct all their business associates to subject themselves to health checks to ascertain their Coronavirus status. On this premise, the Rivers State Government is not prepared to compromise.
“The safety of Rivers people is beyond any other consideration. No amount of yellow journalism will diminish the leading role Governor Nyesom Wike has provided the entire country since the outbreak of Coronavirus.
“Governor Wike, through the various prevention strategies he had initiated, has demonstrated to the entire world that he is prepared for leadership. The truth is that it is in time of crisis like the whole world is facing now, that you know genuine leaders.
“The Rivers State Government respects the rule of law and has acted within the ambit of the law,” he added.
Meanwhile, as the lockdown on markets alongside the stay-at-home order by the Rivers State Government continues, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has assured that the underprivileged people living and doing business in the state would be catered for.
Making this known, last Saturday, during the distribution of food items to the people of Ward 18, Nkpolu-Oroworukwu in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, as part of palliative measures by the state government, the commissioner stated that it was part of the governor’s commitment towards alleviating the suffering of the downtrodden in the state.
“The governor of Rivers State said that he has seen the hardships the people of Rivers State are facing, because of COVID-19, and as a man, who has sworn an oath to protect lives and properties of Rivers people; he would do all within his powers to ensure that nobody suffers from hunger in this period. This is what a visionary leader would do”, he said.
It is in pursuant to this stance, Nsirim explained that the governor has taken various steps in not only checking Coronavirus infection in the state since it came to the fore in Nigeria, and food items are made available to the downtrodden.
“You will recall that since this Coronavirus broke out in Nigeria, the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has played a leading role in showing leadership in terms of strategies for prevention and other things. Right now, he is also showing leadership in terms of catering for the downtrodden and less privileged in the state”, the commissioner stated.
He noted further that for this purpose, the governor had set aside the sum of N2billion to ensure that “no matter where you are in Rivers State, as long as you live and do business in Rivers State, you’ll not die of hunger. There’s a committee that he (governor) has set up again to purchase all the foodstuffs that are produced in Rivers State: yam, garri, plantain, fish, etc. All those things that are edible that Rivers people like to eat, that committee is going round now in all the LGAs in Rivers State to buy them”.
While expressing appreciation over the leadership style of the governor, Nsirim also noted that Rivers people in Diaspora, in countries such as the United States and United Kingdom, have at various times, expressed the same appreciation since news of COVID-19 broke out in Nigeria.
Receiving the food items on behalf of the ward, a religious leader, Prophet Michael Ichemati, expressed gratitude to the governor, and promised that they would ensure the food items get to the needy in the ward.
Ichemati said: “I want to use this opportunity given to me to express our gratitude to our governor, who has been so much forthcoming to reach out to the people. We want to also thank the committee for their time, and, having seen what they have presented to the ward, we want to say God will reward you all.
“We’re promising that what you have given to us today will get to those that need it most. We sincerely appreciate what you people have given to us. God bless you”, he added.
In his response, the state Commissioner for Transport, Sunny Ejeku, who is a member of the ward, said “This is my community, this is my ward, and I know the impact of what HE has done will create in the lives of the people here. When you give a man food, you’re preserving his life. The COVID-19 pandemic has come with all other side effects, most of which have to do with complaint of hunger. Social distancing has to be maintained.
“Thank God that His Excellency has the drive and the leadership style, which he has employed to save the lives of Rivers people”.
On his part, the traditional head of the ward, Eze Omunakwe Innocent Ejekwuaka, also thanked the governor for the food items, praying that God should grant him more ideas to cater for the needy.
Also present at the presentation were the Councillor of the ward, Henry Ichemati, and the Women Leader of Oro-Obaziolu Community, Madam Mercy Orlu.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.