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COVID-19: Be Vigilant, Nsirim Tells Hoteliers In Rivers …Says RSG’ll Not Compromise Health Of Citizens
The Rivers State Government has charged hoteliers across the state to be vigilant and not to allow their facilities to be used as hideouts for persons who may have symptoms of the novel Coronavirus, saying it would not compromise the health of her citizens in the course of making money.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, gave the charge during a meeting/training organised by the Rivers State Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 with the Nigerian Hoteliers Association in Port Harcourt, yesterday; attended by officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Nsirim also charged hoteliers and those in the hospitality industry to key into the agenda of the Rivers State Government led by Governor Nyesom Wike, saying they have a critical role to play to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in the state.
He reiterated that the governor has said this is a period of sacrifice even as their businesses are also being affected.
The commissioner further said, “We are in very challenging time. Your businesses will be having some impact. That is why if you listen to all the broadcast made by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, he calls this season a time for sacrifice. We will not compromise the health of our people because we want to make money.
“It is a sacrifice that will soon end and our businesses will return to normal. So, it is necessary that all of you who are in the hospitality industry should key into the agenda of the state government. You will see that His Excellency has shown visionary leadership since the outbreak of COVID-19 in terms of prevention strategies.
“We are the first state to close our borders, close all the ports and airports. We are the first to set up an enlightenment committee. We are also the first state to purchase foodstuffs to alleviate the sufferings of the people at this time. So, His Excellency means well, and for us in the state, we only have two cases of Coronavirus because of the prevention strategies that have been put in place here, and of course, with the help of God Almighty.
“So, we are believing that we won’t record more cases. So, controlling the virus is actually everyone’s business. It is our collective business to ensure that everyone is safe. For you in the hospitality industry, don’t allow your hotels to be used as hideouts for people who may have the symptoms.
“So, for every hotel manager here, if somebody comes into your hotel and you notice some of these symptoms, it is your patriotic duty to ensure that you report such things to the Ministry of Health,” he stated, and thanked the state Chairman of Nigeria Hoteliers Association, Eugene Nwauzi, for his initiative in helping to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the state.
He added, “Let me say that those of you in the hospitality industry have a very critical role to play in the prevention of Coronavirus in the state. A lot of people come to your hotels for one transaction or the other. Maybe, sometimes, to lodge as guests, and in this season, nobody knows who is who; and the kind of health status of individuals that will come to your hotels.
“That is why it is important that you understand how to begin to engage your customers to ensure that they don’t come, and then, spread the virus in your hotels. What we are seeing, for example, in Hotel Presidential now (making reference to the social distancing sitting arrangement) is laudable, and I think that that is what all the hotels in Rivers State should be doing now.”
He urged them to put the handbills distributed to them in their hotel rooms and receptions to enable anyone who comes into the hotels to know the dos and don’ts as regards to personal hygiene and social distancing in this period, and also urged them to pass on the information gathered from the meeting to all those in the industry, saying, “Everyone needs to be part of what we are doing. I pray that God using all of you, we won’t record any incident from the hotel industry in Rivers State.
Dennis Naku
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.