Coronavirus palliatives: We are not in “animal kingdom”, Chizy Enyi tells Gov. Wike

Reactions are now trailing the gesture of the Rivers State Government to provide palliatives to citizens of the state, during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Chizy Enyi, the President General of the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, in a statement made available to Africa Update , criticised the State Governor’s approach towards the implementation of palliatives, expressing worries that the process is beclouded with secrecy and deceit.

Excerpts of the statement: “The Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership have commended the Federal Government and some governors in the Niger Delta States for the palliative measures to stop the spread of the Covid19 deadly virus as they also publicly declared the amount that well wishers of Nigeria and their states donated to federal government and their respective states with respect to the Covid19 that have ravaged the entire world.

“The federal government and the governors have at every point in time, declared who brought what and urged others to emulate their kind gesture and help their states to fight the Covid19.

“We also commend the freewill donations of the Rivers Elders for donating #30M to Rivers State Government to fight the Covid19 deadly virus and we commend the leadership of all the Local Government Areas of Rivers State for donating #23M for the fight against Covid19.

“The President General of the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, Chizy Enyi Esq wonder why Gov Wike have refused to make public all the money so far received from donors after making the Rivers State account number for Covid19 public, for people to pay in money.

“Will it be correct even in the dreamland, to say that all the corporate bodies in Rivers State have refused to assist us in this time that we needed them most? And assuming they have done something, will it not be right for Gov. Wike to inform Rivers people so that we will appreciate those who meant well for us at this material time.

“It is not out of place, to say that almost all the major corporate bodies in Rivers State including Banks must or would have made their donations because of their cordial relationship with Rivers people.

“We are aware, that at all times, they have been supporting Rivers State Government in all activities including emergency cases like the Covid19 deadly virus that is globally locking down economic and social activities of the people. Who knows what they may have donated that the Rivers State Government have refused to disclose to us and how can we say thank you to them in appreciation.

“We heard on the news and social media, that Senator Barry Mpigi, Commissioners and Rivers State House of Assembly members also did their donations and how can we be sure of the amounts and whether the donations have been redeemed to enable Rivers people to further show appreciation.

” It is not enough to set aside #2B for food that can not be bought and produce in Rivers State to help cushion the effects of the hardship caused by theclosure of markets on the orders of the Rivers State Government, but through which source was the said money release without budget because we are aware that the Rivers State House of Assembly have not met to deliberate on this issue of Covid19 particularly as it relates to finances.

“We wonder why the closure of markets and the declaration of curfew have been the only palliative measures that is available to Rivers State Government.

“Where is the quarantine centre in Rivers State and at which quarantine or isolation centre is the *ELEME TURN EDO GIRL* that was tested positive and what are the measures to trace those she have come in contact with.

“Assuming closure of markets is the only palliative measure since that is the only thing both medical that have been adopted by the Rivers State Government, how come there was a temporary order to open the markets without proper measures of social distancing as approved by the World Health Organisation and which money will Rivers people use to buy food stuffs since Civil servants have not been paid their salaries.

“This is to show, that even if we contact the Covid19 deadly virus,it is not the business of Rivers State Government.

“How come two committees have been setup with the same terms of reference on the #2B and food stuffs as palliative measures on Covid19. It will be pertinent to note that this is just a fraudulent means, which may likely cause embezzlement of public funds. How do we ascertain the embezzlement since we don’t know what we have gotten.

“No wonder the refusal to disclose what may have been gotten.

“But who truly, will be in charge? Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo or the newly elected Chairman of Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, Therefore, we immediately demand to know the followings: 1. What is the budget of Rivers State Government for the Covid19? 2. Who are those that have contributions and how much? 3. What are the palliative measures adopted by the Rivers State Government to curtail the excesses of this dreaded virus?

“The questions above demands an immediate answers from Gov. Wike and the Rivers State Government as we are not in ANIMAL KINGDOM.

“We, hereby, urge Rivers people, to rise up to expectations, obey the laws and order, as we pray for the quick recovery of all those who are truly sick arising from this deadly Covid19.”