CSOs seek review of Wike’s strategies, APC, groups differ over handling

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other state actors have urged the Rivers State Government to review its preventive measures and response to the coronavirus pandemic, lamenting that the impact of its response are becoming more devastating that the virus.

They argued that the imposition of restriction of movements especially food items when there are no palliatives have pushed some people of the state to indulge in avoidable risks to eat.

They lamented that five women reportedly drowned at Imo River on Monday when the boat they boarded to ferry some food items into the state sank.

Chairman of the Situation Room Management Committee, Styven Obodoekwe, who spoke in Port Harcourt during an inaugural briefing on COVID:19 situation room, urged government to fulfill its promises to establish food centres and put in place other palliatives to cushion the effects of the restriction order.

Also, Spokesman of the group, Chinedu Uchegbu, condemned the state government’s action for violating its directives and policies on the fight against COVID-19.

Besides, the South-South zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denounced government’s imposition of a 24-hour curfew in some parts of Rivers State without providing palliatives for the people.

But, Ikwerre Peoples Forum and Rivers Development Forum based in the United States of America (USA), commended Governor Nyesom Wike for taking proactive measures to check the spread of coronavirus in the state.

APC South-South Zonal Secretary, David Okumgba, said the party was disappointed over what it described as the suddenness of the curfew imposed by Governor Wike, in spite of his earlier closure of all markets without provision of any palliative measure.

However, Chairman of Ikwerre Peoples Forum, Michael Ewule submitted the determined efforts of Governor Wike saved the state from the uncontrolled spread of coronavirus.

Similarly, Chairman of Rivers Development Forum, Piegbara Baridoma, urged Rivers people to support Governor Wike to keep the state healthy through the right measures.

It noted that the sensitisation process of the Rivers State government since the index case of coronavirus in Nigeria has helped to create awareness on the disease, adding that because of the people’s level of awareness, it was easier for health professionals to contain the disease in the state.