By Simeon Nwakaudu
One of the most important achievements of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike during the first year of his second term has been the provision of purposeful leadership in the fight against the spread of coronavirus.
As a lawyer and life bencher, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was the first to lead the way on the right Legislation for the containment of the virus.
On March 19, 2020, Governor Wike signed the quarantine executive order and the regulations to restrict movement and close the borders.
The Executive Order RVSG-01 2020 Pursuant to Sections 2, 3, 4 and 8 of Quarantine Act, CAP 02 , Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Regulations 11 of the Quarantine (Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other infectious diseases regulations .
The order’s citation is Quarantine (Corona virus (COVID- 19) and other Infectious Diseases) Regulations, 2020.
This order was replicated by the Federal Government and several other states of the Federation. This order defined the fight against the spread of coronavirus.
Through proactive actions, Governor Wike protected majority of Rivers people during the pandemic.
Governor Wike was on the frontline to protect the people of Rivers State. He led the State Task Force on Enforcement of the Ban on Public and Religious Gatherings . The Governor personally led the enforcement operations of the team.
Beyond enforcing the social distancing rules across the State, Governor Wike established the first food bank in the country. The State Food Bank is under the management of Rivers State COVID-19 Palliatives Committee.
The Rivers State Palliatives Committee, the most active relief materials team in the country, has reached out to communities, wards and Local Government Areas across the state. The Palliatives Committee terms of reference revolved supporting the people with foodstuffs, so they can sit-at-home and check the spread of coronavirus.
As a result of Governor Wike’s leading role in the distribution of palliatives, all the 23 Local Government Areas, state and federal lawmakers have opened up palliatives distribution networks. With different food distribution platforms, many Rivers people have been reached one way or another.
Closely linked to the Rivers State COVID-19 Palliatives Committee is another committee established by Governor Wike to keep the Rivers economy afloat and also empower farmers and fishermen.
Governor Wike set aside N2BILLION for the purchase of products from farmers and fishermen. These foodstuffs will then be distributed to the less privileged.
Governor Wike said that the committee has been empowered to purchase all agricultural products produced in the state for distribution to the less privileged.
He said: “We are going a step further to ensure that no one complains of hunger in our State during this trying period. The State Government has therefore set aside the sum of N2billion to buy off all agricultural products produced in the State from farmers and fishermen.
“Our goal is to ensure that no agricultural product like yam, garri, plantain, palm oil and fish leaves our State during this period.
“While the farmers and fishermen will make their profits, the less privileged will have enough food supply for their families.”
He added: “To ensure that the appropriate logistics for effective implementation of this policy is carried out to the letter, government will set up a 33-man Committee.”
For the identification and treatment of coronavirus cases, Governor Wike set up rapid response teams at the Rivers State Ministry of Health. These teams coordinated by highly trained health professionals are involved in contact tracing and treatment. They run the toll-free lines that provide quality medical care to Rivers people.
The State Government on its own has two holding centres at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, with an Isolation/Treatment Centre at Eleme LGA. This is where the index case and the second case were managed.
Working with the private sector, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike facilitated the setting up of a major Isolation/Treatment Centre at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Through practical commitment and diligence, Governor Wike has proved that Rivers lives matter no matter who exercises whatever powers. His operating principle has always been Rivers first. In handling the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Wike placed the defence of Rivers lives above all other considerations.
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