Wike to FG: Stop playing politics with fight against COVID-19

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has accused the federal government of playing politics with ongoing fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria.

In a series of posts via his Twitter handle on Sunday, the governor questioned the rationality behind the disbursement of N10billion grant to Lagos to fight the killer virus while his state got nothing.

Wike explained despite not releasing any fund for the state to combat the virus, the federal government has continued to endanger residents by sending expatriates – whose medical history remains unknown – to drill oil in the state.

He said: “It is quite unfortunate that the containment of coronavirus has been politicized by the Federal Government. While Lagos State received a grant of N10billion as a commercial hub, Rivers State is entitled to support from the Federal Government.

“Every day, we are inundated with letters from the Federal Government to allow oil companies to fly in expatriates to drill Oil.

“Then we ask, what is the status of those coming from Lagos? Nobody has told us their status as regards coronavirus. “If they come to come Rivers without us knowing their status, what will be implication assuming they have the virus.”

He went on to explain he has directed security agencies in the state to ensure proper enforcement of the lockdown directive in the state, noting some people are yet to fully comply with several orders introduced by the government to contain spread of the novel disease.

He added: “We are constrained to note again that despite our directive, commercial vehicle operators have refused to maintain social distancing. Their action portends grave danger because they place the entire society at risk of the virus.

“I have directed security agencies to fish out and prosecute persons who slaughter animals in the Bush for public consumption. Our people must understand that lives are more important than profit.”