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COVID-19 Decisions Are Taken By State Security Council – Governor Wike

Published

5 years ago

May 26, 2020

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the State Security Council takes all decisions in the prosecution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.

Governor Wike who stated this on Tuesday when the Executive of the Nigeria Hotel Association, Rivers State Chapter paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt pointed out that he has never taken any unilateral decision.

The State Chief Executive noted that all decisions taken by the State Government are for the overall good and interest of the Rivers people as no right thinking government would deliberately take decisions that would negatively affect the lives of the people.

“I don’t take decisions alone in the fight against COVID-19. All decisions are taken by the State Security Council and they are for the overall interest of Rivers people.

” You know people applaud government decisions when it suits them but when it does not favour them they say it is politically motivated.

“Rivers State Government does not have anything against hoteliers in the state, but decided to shutdown their activities because some cases of COVID-19 were recorded in hotels,” he stated.

Governor Wike also blamed the hoteliers for failing to assist government in providing relevant information regarding those that test positive of the coronavirus in their hotels.

According to him, adequate information would have helped the State Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies to carry out proper contact tracing.

“Its not possible that the State Government will intentionally close down hotels. But what I see is that people play politics with everything.

“The demolition of Prodest Hotel and Etemeteh Hotel in Eleme Local Government Area by the State Government became necessary because the owners failed to comply with Executive Order 7,” he said.

The State Chief Executive stated that he is more pained than any other person in the state that churches and mosques are not holding their full religious activities because of COVID-19.

“I can’t believe that I will be sitting here as a Governor and take a painful decision that will make churches and mosques not to hold full religious activities, ” he said.

The Governor lauded members of the State Chapter of Nigeria Hotel Association for identifying with government efforts in the fight against COVID- 19.

Earlier, the State Chairman, Nigeria Hotel Association, Mr. Eugene Nwauzi commended Governor Wike for leading the fight against coronavirus in the country.

Mr. Nwauzi noted that but for the efforts put in place by the Governor, the spread of COVID-19 would have taken a dangerous dimension in the state.

He however appealed to the State Government to relax the ban on hotel businesses, assuring that all protocols put in place for the containment of the spread of the virus would be fully observed by hoteliers.

Featured

RSG Set For Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Published

10 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government says all is now set to ensure a momentous Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Speaking to newmen, last Monday, at Isaac Boro Park, venue for the parade and wreath-laying ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured that the annual event would be memorable.

“January 15 is a day set aside all over the country to remember those who died in the course of military engagement and also appreciate those still serving in the Armed Forces.

“We had the Juma’at Prayers last Friday and Church Thanksgiving Service last Sunday, we are grateful for very successful events. Wednesday, 15th January, is the Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and wreath -laying ceremony at the Remembrance Arcade here in Isaac Boro Park. We are ready and expecting a superlative parade ceremony by the Armed Forces and the State Legion,” he said.

The SSG stated that it was in the nature of Rivers State Government and her people to appreciate the Armed Forces, just as he encouraged well-meaning Nigerians resident in Rivers State to join in appreciating the efforts of the nation’s heroes and remember those who had paid the ultimate price.

The SSG stressed that the actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on January 15 would be replicated across the 22 Local Governments Areas in the State, with the exception of the Mayor of Port Harcourt who would support the Governor.

“As a federation with three tiers of government, the ceremonies will be done simultaneously at the federal level with Mr President laying the wreath; at the State, with our Governor laying the wreath. It is also expected that the council chairmen will be replicating same thing because there are members of the Armed Forces and legionnaires in the local governments.

A representative of 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Col. S. I Fejoh, who is one of the co-ordinators of the parade, re-affirmed their readiness and promised to showcase the pride of Nigeria.

On his part, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, C.O. Promise noted that members were happy and ready to celebrate the day they referred to as their birthday.

The Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Ichemati Ezebunwor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Wendy Kalio, also expressed optimism for a gallant celebration in the state.

“We have been fully involved and ready to celebrate the sacrifices of those who served the country. Let us honour them and encourage their loved ones. The Governor is working hard to empower the veterans and widows, let us turn up to cheer our Governor,” she summed up.

Featured

Fubara Hails Mbata’s Emergence As President – General Of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Published

12 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed the emergence of a former lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator John Azuta Mbata, as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Governor Fubara said that the frontline politician’s victory at the poll in Enugu, on Friday, is a testament to his wide acceptance across the aisle as an accomplished Nigerian, whose test of character and integrity is exemplary.

He said that the overwhelming votes of the delegates show the implicit confidence of members of the socio-cultural organisation in his ability to provide needed leadership to move the Ohanaeze Ndigbo forward at this time.

Governor Fubara, therefore, extended his best wishes to Senator Mbata, and expressed the hope that he will succeed as he discharges the lofty duties of furthering national cohesion, and fostering friendly cooperation based on mutual trust and respect within the Igbos and among non-Igbos.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers State, I once again congratulate you and assure you of our readiness to work with you towards maintaining and preserving national unity and cohesion”, Governor Fubara said.

Business

AfDB, Partners Boost Universal Electrification Efforts

Published

14 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, the World Bank Group, the African Union (AU), and the Tanzanian government have reaffirmed their commitment to advance Africa’s path toward universal electrification.

The AfDB announced in a statement, Saturday, that it would host a pivotal summit to support this objective.

“The Africa Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27 to 28 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will bring together Heads of State and Government, private sector leaders, development partners, donors, experts, civil society organizations, and academics.

“The summit aims to secure the financial resources, partnerships, and political commitment necessary to achieve the ambitious Mission 300 plan and further progress toward universal electrification”, it stated.

Inaugurated in April 2024 by the AfDB and the World Bank, Mission 300 sought to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

It said the initiative would focus on a dual approach: increasing infrastructure investment and implementing policy reforms across the electricity supply chain.

According to the bank, with nearly 600 million Africans accounting for 83 per cent of the global energy deficit lacking access to electricity, the need for action has never been more urgent.

“The summit will serve as a platform to consolidate efforts and accelerate Africa’s electrification journey, aiming to transform lives, improve livelihoods, and foster economic growth.

“Experts and stakeholders will deliberate on strategies to mobilise investments, expand energy access, and address challenges impeding progress, ensuring that Africa’s energy goals remain within reach”, AfDB stated.