Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has attributed the huge successes recorded in the fight against the dreaded coronavirus, to the proactive and pragmatic stance of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike. He said despite having seaports and International Airports, the state has recorded manageable cases when compare with other states with similar facilities. Danagogo, who is also the Chairman of Rivers State Food Palliatives Procurement Committee, said crisis being experienced in Nigeria would have been averted or drastically minimized if the Federal Government had taken proactive and pragmatic steps with zeal and passion like Governor Wike to ensure borders were timely and properly checked and closed. Danagogo, stated this on Friday, June 19, while receiving palliatives from members of the Petroleum Contractors Trade Section, under the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry. His words: “The Governor saw that what was happening in Lagos will happen in Rivers. We have three functional airports – the International Airport, Airforce Base, and Bonny Airport which means people are coming in from all parts of the world,” he said. He regretted that, the Governor’s proactive efforts to nip the disease at the bud were misunderstood, criticised and resisted by people from different quarters both within the state and at the federal level. He urged the masses to stay cautious and abide by the rules of physical distancing and always wear facemasks. He thanked members of the Petroleum Contractors Trade Section for the support as it was a time for all to show love and brotherly kindness especially in the provision of medical equipment that is now scarce. “Any effort at supporting the Government is very much appreciated and particularly heartwarming when we hear organizations are supporting communities they operate in. This is a time the masses are in need and provisions for host communities in times like this, no doubt yields good relationship. He added that the names of companies and individuals who have supported and partnered with the Government would be published later. Earlier, representative of the Petroleum Contractors Trade Section, Mr. Adonijah Owiriwa said the support was initiated in consideration of the fact that most businesses by the association were carried out in Rivers State.
