The government of Rivers State has declared that it will not relent in its efforts to ensure that citizens of the state are protected from the coronavirus pandemic and will do all within the provisions of the law to enforce compliance to the Executive order restricting movement into the state.
The State Governor, Nyesom Wike, speaking during a statewide broadcast at the Government House, today, said it is important for corporate organizations to adhere to the directives and work closely with the state to make it safe and secure.
He frowned at the violation of the directives of the state government by multinationals, reiterating that whoever violates the law will be charged according.
He revealed that 22 staff working with Exxon Mobil, will soon be charged to court for violating the Executive order of the state, which forbids entry into the state, without proper authorization.
He said, ” Yesterday, security agencies arrested 22 staff of Exxon Mobil who came into the state from neighbouring Akwa Ibom State in violation of the extant Executive Order restricting movement into the state. We do not know the coronavirus status of these individuals.
” Even though security agencies advised that they be allowed to go back to Akwa Ibom State, I insisted that the law must take its course. This is because nobody is above the law.
“As a responsive government, we have quarantined them in line with the relevant health protocols and they will be charged to court”.
Wike, commended the management of NLNG for their partnership, which has assisted in the fight against the coronavirus. “I must commend the management of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for obeying the established health protocol to check the spread of coronavirus. They have consistently liaised with the State Government in the movement of their staff on essential duties. This is what is expected of a responsible corporate organization,” he stressed.
On the two Caverton Helicopters pilots, Gov. Wike said, “filing and hearing of their bail applications. I am aware that the two pilots and ten passengers have been admitted to bail by the trial Chief Magistrate’s Court and have since been released.
“It is important to mention that the arrest and arraignment of the two pilots and 10 passengers followed due process and were intended to ensure that all extant State Laws are obeyed by every person living or doing business in our State without any discrimination.
“I wish to inform the good people of Rivers State that Carveton Helicopters Limited has apologised to the Government of Rivers State for her conduct and other well-meaning members of the society are also intervening on behalf of the company”.
