Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, says the proprietors of Caverton Helicopters have apologised over their action which resulted to the arrest of two of its pilots and 10 passengers on April 7, who had violated the Coronavirus restriction orders of the state.
The Governor noted that other well-meaning individuals have also intervened on the matter.
Addressing the media on Friday, the Rivers State Governor further disclosed that security agencies have also arrested 22 staff of Exxon Mobile who came into the state from neighbouring Akwa Ibom State in violation of the executive order restricting movement in the state.
Rivers State was the first state in the country to close all land borders following the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic. This led to a barrage of criticisms and threats from different quarters.
Even though the state has recorded two Coronavirus cases, all of whom have been discharged, Governor Wike said the bold move as well as other containment measures put in place have helped to check the spread of the disease.
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The Governor said he will not succumb to any threat or blackmail in his bid to protect the lives of Rivers people.
Following a number of observations, Governor Wike announced the suspension of the distribution of palliatives meant to help cushion the effect of the hardship caused by measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rivers State Governor did not forget to thank individuals and corporate bodies that have helped strengthen the COVID-19 prevention strategies in the state.
As it stands today, the Rivers State Government has received three isolation tents, rapid response vans, ambulances, one nebulizer, ventilators, suction machines, two oxygen concentrators, hospital beds, sprayers, personal protection equipment, and generators.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, condemned the continued detention of 21 of its members by authorities implementing the Coronavirus lockdown in Rivers State.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
