In a statement by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu Governor Wike also charged the traditional rulers to set up Task Force in their respective communities to enforce the directive on the closure.
While addressing Recognized Traditional Rulers at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike noted that the shutdown was necessary to slowdown the spread of coronavirus.
The Governor who also appealed to the Traditional Rulers to corporate with his administration to check the transmission of the virus, enjoined all Council Chairmen to ensure that they support the Traditional Rulers to deliver on the directive.
Governor Wike further reiterated effort by his administration to ensure that the state borders remained closed.
On the closure of markets, the governor assured that the State Food Purchasing Committee headed by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government will purchase all the food items and distribute them to Rivers people.
The Governor also advised Rivers people not to wait for the support of the Federal Government but concentrate on the strategies to reduce the spread of the virus.
On his part, Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, who commended the governor for involving traditional rulers in the fight against COVID-19, assured that the traditional rulers would live up to expectation.
