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Tag: Port Harcourt

  • Good news for South-South as Buhari flags off Bonny deep sea port, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway

    Good news for South-South as Buhari flags off Bonny deep sea port, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway

    President Muhammadu Buhari has performed the virtual ground-breaking ceremony of three projects in the South-South region.

    They are the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt– Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge railway, Bonny deep sea port and Railway Industrial Park, Port Harcourt.

    He said the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway would reactivate economic activities along the Eastern corridor, which have been greatly affected by insecurity.

    The President said the country’s aspiration for nationwide transport infrastructure and railways would be significantly enhanced by these three projects conceived to be integrated in their operations.

    ‘‘The connection of the railway to a new seaport in Bonny Island and Railway Industrial Park, Port Harcourt is designed to increase the viability and boost trans-shipment of cargo and freight locally, across the West African sub-region and in the Continental Free Trade Area.

    ‘‘The sum of the socio-economic and environmental benefits of these projects includes creation of massive employment locally.

    ‘‘In addition, there will be further utilization of local contents and technology transfer, increase in internally generated revenue and would serve as a fulcrum for the achievement of the Federal Government planned Integrated Development Masterplan,’’ he said.

    Urging all Nigerians especially industrialists, manufacturers and businesses within the zones to take maximum advantage of this infrastructure in planning for expansion and building new factories, President Buhari said the projects when completed would raise Nigeria’s economy to the global stage while reaffirming its leading role in Africa.

    The President explained that the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri railway reconstruction project with new branch lines to Owerri, Imo State and Damaturu, Yobe State would resuscitate the once vibrant railway transportation in the Eastern railway corridor of the country.

    ‘‘We are further expanding it to achieve contemporary demand for transport in the North East and Southern geopolitical zones of the country.

    ‘‘It is also designed to link other standard gauge rail lines under construction through the provision of trans-shipment centres.

    ‘‘The funding of the railway is through loan to fund 85% project cost and the Federal Government contribution of 15% as counterpart funding,’’ he said.

    According to the President, the Bonny deep sea port and the railway Industrial Park are to be constructed through direct investments from Chinese partners and international financing agencies.

    He said these projects would serve transportation and supply chain network for domestic needs and export as well as support imports into the hinterland of the country through the new deep sea port in Bonny Island.

    ‘‘This improved port is designed to be a regional and international transport hub. In line with the global trends, the Railway Industrial Park will have the capability for processing exports of raw materials with value addition and also export of locally made goods.

    ‘‘In planning this project, prudent use of resources has been given priority, as by this endeavour, Nigeria will retrieve the old narrow gauge that has been lying in neglect for years and bring it to full functional state commensurate to a National railway service at a rational price,’’ he said.

    The President, who requested the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi to cut the tape and unveil the plaque for the projects on his behalf, assured the nation of prudent use of resources in executing the projects.

    Earlier in his address of welcome, Amaechi disclosed that the Bonny deep sea port and Railway Industrial Park, Port Harcourt are being developed through direct investment by a conglomerate led by Messrs CCECC Nigeria Limited with a total investment portfolio of US$700Million.

    On the railway, he said upon completion, trains on the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway will run at 60 – 80 kilometres per hour and 80 – 100 kilometres per hour for freight and passenger respectivel

    ‘‘The Bonny deep sea port has a container terminal of 500,000 TEU (20 foot equivalent unit) per annum capacity and 100,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) Bert

    ‘‘The Railway Industrial park, Port Harcourt would be supported by necessary infrastructure including power, water, waste disposal, ICT and gas distribution as well as transportation, logistics centres and ancillaries,’’ he said.

    Amaechi affirmed that the Ministry was working in line with the President’s directives to implement the Nigeria Railway Modernization project and progressively expand the railway network.

    ‘‘In this regard, the rail line connection from Enugu to Awka – Onitsha and Abakaliki is undergoing necessary Feasibility Studies and preparation of conceptual design,’’ he said.

  • BREAKING: Port Harcourt serial women killer sentenced to death

    BREAKING: Port Harcourt serial women killer sentenced to death

    A Port Harcourt High Court on Monday sentenced Mr Gracious David-West to death for the serial killing of nine women.

    The court found Mr David-West guilty of killing nine women on different occasions in brothels situated in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital.

    Police prosecutors said 26-year-old David-West strangled his victims in hotel rooms across Nigeria between July and September 2019.

    Presiding Judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli said he is to die by hanging.

    One of his alleged victims survived the attack, but was not a witness during the trial.

    Authorities say her whereabouts are unknown despite being told not to leave the State.

    Police say he also confessed to the murders of six other women elsewhere but he was not charged for those murders for lack of evidence.

    Authorities say the pattern of the murders point to a serial killing – he had sex with his victims before binding their arms and feet with strips of white sheets.

    He also used sheets to strangle them, the court heard.

    Several of his victims were sex workers.

    At the beginning of the case and unrepresented by a counsel, David-West had pleaded guilty to the murders but the judge demanded a trial because of the “gravity of the crime”.

  • FEC approves $3.02bn for reconstruction of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway

    FEC approves $3.02bn for reconstruction of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the award of contracts for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri eastern narrow gauge railway, with new branch lines and trans-shipment facilities.

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, made this known when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the 18th virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

    The meeting was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

    The minister also revealed that the Council approved the construction of a new deep seaport in Bonny, under Private-Public- Partnership (PPP) programme and the construction of a railway Industrial park in Port Harcourt.

    “The Federal Executive Council today, approved the award of contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway, with new branch lines and trans-shipment facilities.

    “It also approved the construction of a deep seaport in Bonny under PPP and construction of a railway industrial park in Port Harcourt.

    “The railway line will be at the cost of $3,020,279,549. The industrial park, which is under PPP, at no cost to federal government, will cost $241,154,389.31.

    “The Bonny deep seaport will cost $461,924,369, at no cost to the federal government.

    “The Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge railway will have new branch lines: from Port Harcourt to Bonny and from Port Harcourt to Owerri are new lines.

    “There is another connecting to narrow gauge to standard guage at Kafanchan.

    “There is a branch line from Gombe or before Maiduguri to Damaturu and Gashua. That’s what has been approved,’’ he said.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, who also briefed the correspondents on the outcome of the meeting.

    He said the Council approved N653.8million to procure and deploy hybrid spectrum monitoring system that would cover the Southeast zone of the country.

    He explained that the approval followed the presentation of an investigative report by the ministry to the council on the use of illegal frequencies, saying that 106 out of the 320 frequencies being operated across the country were illegal.

    Pantami, therefore, expressed the hope that the deployment of the new hybrid spectrum would go a long way in promoting safety and security, enhance revenue and create many jobs for the citizens.

    “From January to August 2020, within the period of eight months, we discovered 320 frequencies being used all over the country and of this 320, 106 were illegal.

    “This is very worrisome because the usage of this illegal spectrum or frequencies will compromise our security and safety in the country.

    “It is because of the agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari of promoting security that we came up with this initiative of monitoring the usage of frequencies and uncovered the legal and the illegal ones.

    “For the legal ones to ensure they renew their licenses annually and for the illegal ones, necessary actions are being taken according to the gravity of the offence.

    “We discovered that our monitoring did not cover south east. It covered five zones – northeast, northwest, north central, southwest and south south. However, south east has not been covered.

    “It is because of this that we presented our memo, seeking for council’s approval of N653,886,584 to procure and deploy hybrid spectrum monitoring system that will cover the southern part of the country, most importantly the south east.

    “So, Council approved for the deployment, and this project will go a long way in promoting safety and security and secondly, identify the usage of illegal spectrum and thirdly, enhance revenue for the federal government and fourthly, in the long run it will create many jobs for the citizens.’’

  • Why blackouts persist in 4 states – Port Harcourt DisCo

    Why blackouts persist in 4 states – Port Harcourt DisCo

    The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has blamed the persisting blackouts in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers on the picketing of its offices by aggrieved workers.

    Mr John Onyi, Manager, Corporate Communications, PHED, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

    NAN reports that the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) on Monday picketed the company’s offices in the four states, to protest the alleged poor welfare of its workers.

    Onyi said that the workers’ actions had led to the company’s inability to distribute electricity to customers, thereby halting economic activities in the four states.

    “So, we are surprised and disappointed at the picketing of our offices by NUEE, over their claim that the management refused to sign workers’ Conditions of Service and Procedural Agreement.

    “Other claims are that the management refused to remit already deducted check off dues; insensitivity to workers’ welfare and the obnoxious policy of restructuring and repositioning.

    “However, we wish to state and set the record straight that the adduced reasons given by the NUEE are far from the truth,” he said.

    Onyi stated that the management never refused the signing of the workers’ conditions of service, as claimed by the workers’ union.

    “This assertion is untrue because we agreed with NUEE to the signing of the conditions of service on May 23.

    “However, on the day of the signing, NUEE did not show up, but the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) did and today, the SSAEAC has a copy of the signed document.

    “Additionally, on June 1, another meeting was fixed at the instance of NUEE, and that was the last time we heard from the union, until the picketing of our offices.”

    The PHED spokesman assured that the management was sensitive to the welfare of workers, adding that staff salaries had been paid up to August.

    According to him, the company has also made permanent the appointment of over 60 workers, as well as increased their salaries, as proof of its commitment to workers’ welfare.

    “Similarly, management recently recruited 355 graduates from different fields, to fortify the existing workforce. This was done without sacking any staff of the company.

    “It is also important to state that under Dr Henry Ajagbawa’s leadership, salaries are paid not later than 30th of every month, a rare occurrence, prior to this time.

    “Also, the management is not aware of the de-listing of members of the union. We know that membership of NUEE or SSAEC is voluntary,” he clarified.

    Onyi said that the current PHED management was labour-friendly and was willing to continue talks with the aggrieved workers, with the aim of settling the dispute.

    He noted that the company was making efforts to resolve the situation, to restore electricity supply to customers in the four states.

  • Port Harcourt International Airport reopens

    Port Harcourt International Airport reopens

    The Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) has restated commitment towards ensuring a zero Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission as Port Harcourt International Airport resumes operations.

    Mr Abayomi Akinbinu, the Regional Manager, South-South and South-East, FAAN, said this on Saturday at the airport during the arrival of the first flight after three months of COVID-19 shutdown.

    The first flight conducted by Air Peace 5N EUV from Lagos arrived Port Harcourt International Airport terminal at 7.50 a.m.

    Abayomi said that the Port Harcourt airport management was poised at ensuring zero chances of COVID 19 transmission as flight operations kick-starts at the airport

    According to him, compliance with the COVID 19 safety guidelines by regulatory bodies in the sector has been well upheld, adding that management will give no room for default.

    While commending safety compliance level by service providers and passengers at the airport, he however decried poor adherence to the physical distancing rule.

    “To the best of my understanding, I think I’m satisfied with our adherence to safety tips but there could be a few protocols that we need to adjust especially in the area of adherence to physical distancing rule.

    “Our markings of 1.5 metres apart are visibly on the floor, but may be because of excitement it’s not being properly followed; so we need to make quick enforcement in that regard,” he said.

    On passenger turnout, Abayomi said that being the first COVID-19 flight, low passenger turnout was expected with a gradual increase in the coming days.

    “On the departure section, we are gradually getting more passengers and I believe that going forward passengers’ turnout is going to increase.

    “My message to prospective passengers is that the Port Harcourt International Airport terminal is safe,” he added.

    Dr Nuhu Mwabi, Head of Aviation Medical Clinic of the airport also said that the Port Health is fully on ground conducting mandatory temperature checks on both service providers and passengers before allowing them into the terminal building.

    “This is because we want to fish out persons with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and above, so that we can isolate such individual.

    “Our cardinal objective is to ensure that we contain the spread of COVID-19 as well as other communicable diseases within the airport,” he said.

    Mwabi also said that various medical teams and the WHO are also fully ready to professionally handle any suspected case where the need arises.

    “We have an isolation centre right here for any person with a high temperature to be examined and if need be, we would then call for further assistance from the State Epidemiological unit,” Mwabi said.

    Meanwhile, some passengers have also commended FAAN on its innovations in the COVID-19 era.

    Mr Ralph Akinyemi, one of the first passengers who arrived Port Harcourt from Lagos, urged management of the airport and other regulatory bodies to maintain the tempo, which he described as commendable.

  • Wike relaxes lockdown in P/Harcourt, Obio-Akpor

    Rivers State Government has suspended the total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas for six days, with effect from Thursday, 21st May 2020.

    Governor, Nyesom Wike stated this in a broadcast on Wednesday.

    “Residents and visitors of these local government areas can, therefore, go out of their homes for their lawful businesses from tomorrow morning, that is, Thursday May 21 until 8.00 p.m., Tuesday 26th of May 2020, when the lockdown will be restored and maintained until further notice.

    “It is important to emphasize that the relaxation only allows for free human and vehicular movements and the opening of limited businesses, such as banks, supermarkets, shopping malls and grocery shops.

    “All land, sea and air exit and entry borders and routes into Rivers State shall remain closed.

    “Similarly, all open markets, motor parks, hotels, bars, night clubs, in-service restaurants and barbers’ shops must remain shut.

    “Religious gatherings of more than 50 persons remain prohibited.

    “All public weddings, burials and other social gathering also remain prohibited.

    “Private and commercial vehicles, including tricycles must continue to limit the number of passengers to two persons only.

    “The wearing of face masks or coverings in public spaces, including commercial and private vehicles remains compulsory as contraveners would be arrested and summarily dealt with as the law demands,” he stated.

    The Governor enjoined all residents to continue to maintain social distancing in every space, including vehicles, bank premises and shopping places as required by the subsisting regulations.

    He warned that those who refuse to comply with these duly established orders and restrictions would be arrested and prosecuted, as usual, for deliberately endangering themselves and the lives of others in the face of this deadly virus.

    Governor Wike reassured residents of the state that Government was determined more than ever to do everything to fight against the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in Rivers State.

    “We therefore urge residents not to panic even with the increasing number of positive cases, which is only indicative of the expanded testing now taking place in the State.

    “Before long, we will flatten the curve, gradually lift the restrictions, restore normalcy and open up the State fully for business.

    “But until then, we will continue to ask for is your patience, cooperation and religious compliance with the established measures to curb the spread of this virus.

    “And so, for those, who have nothing to do outside their homes, please stay at home and stay safe. Let us also try to ensure that we keep and protect the most vulnerable persons among us, especially the aged and those with serious underlying health conditions from this virus,” he said.

    The Governor expressed appreciation to all those who are in the frontlines supporting the efforts of the State Government in several ways to mitigate the spread of this virus in our State.

  • COVID-19: Wike announces temporary suspension of lockdown in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor LGAs

    COVID-19: Wike announces temporary suspension of lockdown in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor LGAs

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has announced the temporary lifting of the total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas for two days only, with effect from Tuesday 12th May 2020.

    Governor Wike made the announcement in a State-Wide broadcast last night. He said that the total lockdown will be lifted on Tuesday 12th May, 2020 and Wednesday, 13th May, 2020.

    Governor Wike said the temporary lifting of the lockdown is for residents to restock foodstuffs and medicines to their homes.

    Governor Wike said that the lockdown will be reinstated on Thursday, 14th May, 2020.

    He said: “Consequently, we have given due consideration to the propositions on the way forward by well-meaning citizens of the State, and after a cautious review of the situation, decided to implement a partial relaxation of the lockdown measures, to enable residents to have some fresh air and replenish their foodstuffs and medicines.

    “To this end, I hereby announce the temporary lifting of the total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Governments Areas for two days only, with effect from Tuesday 12th May 2020.

    All shops, supermarkets, and malls can open to the public for Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 and 13 May 2020.

    “Similarly, all hospitals and banks can also open and provide full services to the public.

    “While oil and gas companies are required to submit the list of their staff on essential duties to Government, note that there is no ban on the lifting of petroleum products from depots and other receptacles.

    “The total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas will be reinstated on Thursday 14th May 2020 and remain until further notice.”

    Governor Wike said all other established restrictions under the Executive Orders on social distancing are still in force.

    He said: “Compulsory wearing of face mask or scarfs in vehicles and public places; Closure of all land, sea and air borders and entry routes into the State; and Closure of all open markets, including slaughters, hotels, guest houses, cinemas, bars and restaurants; and Ban on gathering, including public burials, weddings, and religious gathering of more than 50 persons. Once again, thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

    “Please note that our enemy is invisible. Stay at home, maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly and stay safe.

    He said every measure the State Government has imposed was dictated by an assessment of the state’s situation, the trend of transmission and the conviction that it was the right thing to do in the circumstance.

    “As a Government, we are doing our utmost best, in the face of daunting challenges, to prevent COVID-19 from taking hold in Rivers State; to stop any possible community transmission of this disease before it is too late.

    “And we shall continue on this trajectory because the alternative would spell a greater disaster for our State and our people.

    “More so, when these are not arbitrary measures but fully prescribed and backed by the ordinary laws of our State, especially, Executive Orders numbers: 1 to 6.

    “So far, all our measures and actions are not arbitrary but fully prescribed, guided and backed by the ordinary laws of our State, especially Executive Order numbers 1 to 6, which apply equally to all persons throughout the State. As a Government, we are obliged to enforce our laws, and in the present circumstance, we have done so without fear or favour,” he said.

    He added: “We equally made it loud and clear that in the fight against COVI/D-19 there would be no sacred cows; no double standards, and no sentiments of any kind, whether political, ethnic, religious, status, emotional or otherwise.

    “In the last few days we have pursued with vigour and secured several convictions against those who intentional violated our COVID-19 containment laws in the same way others States are doing.

    “The forfeited trucks to be auctioned by the Deputy Sherriff were not confiscated arbitrarily by the State Government, but by the orders of our Courts.

    Governor Wike stated that the demolition of the two hotels in Eleme was done in line with extant laws.

    He said: “Similarly, we acted against the hotelier because, apart from using the facility to jeopardize the lives of our citizens in violation of the extant law, the owner audaciously unleashed thugs lead by the Eleme Local Government Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party and inflicted severe injuries on our task-force members who went to enforce the law against the continued operation of the hotel.

    “As we speak, nobody knows the fate of the lives of most of the victims of that brazen and deadly attack given the severity of the head injuries they sustained.

    “And so, we’ve done no wrong as all our actions were taken in good faith and justified by, under and within the purview of the Executive Orders, which have neither been challenged nor set aside by any competent court of law.

    The Governor said he remains focused on protecting Rivers people.

    He said: “Therefore, while we welcome genuine criticisms directed towards strengthening our intervention measures; it is no use joining issues with uninformed critics and social media legal practitioners who, blinded and prodded by sheer politics, bias and hatred, have opted to demonized and paint our lawful and responsible actions in bad light.

    “Granted that we may not have totally achieved our targets, but we are convinced that, so far, the lockdown and the other measures have impacted greatly in containing and preventing the onslaught of the pandemic on Rivers State.

    “We therefore thank the entire people of Rivers State for the overwhelming understanding you have shown even as you continue to endure the pains of the restrictions on your wellbeing and fundamental freedoms.”

  • Lockdown: Wike arrests 14 persons hidden inside two trailers conveying cattle into Port Harcourt

    Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike on Thursday effected the arrests of 14 Persons hidden in two trailers conveying cattle from Adamawa State to Port Harcourt.
    Governor Wike said that the trailers were intercepted following intelligence from well meaning Nigerians who some them making their way into Port Harcourt.
    They were arrested at Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
    Governor Wike ordered the prosecution of the 14 persons by the Mobile Court constituted by the administration under the Executive Order 6 signed for the declaration of the lockdown.
    He also directed the State Ministry of Health to conduct tests on the 14 persons to ascertain their coronavirus status.
    He said: “This fight has nothing to do with individuals. The law must take its course. You are aware of what is happening and then some people want to illegally smuggle persons into the state.
    “The Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor are under lockdown and the law must be obeyed. The trailers and the cows will be auctioned tomorrow. “
    Governor Wike said that the arrest of the trailers has vindicated him.
    He said that the security agencies have failed the people of Rivers State as they collect money and allow defaulters to slip through the border.
    “You heard them saying that they gave money to the security agencies before they were allowed to cross the border.
    “The owner of the cattle in the phone interview said they have fallen short of the law,” he said.
    Governor Wike said that people must be alive to eat cow, hence the lockdown to protect the lives of Rivers people.
    He decried the level of desperation to smuggle people into Rivers State. He said that the State Government will remain vigilant, despite the challenges it is facing.
    One of the defaulters, Ahmed Aliyu said that they were contracted from Adamawa State to bring cattle to one Alhaji at the new slaughter in Oyigbo. He said that he thought that the lockdown will start by 10pm.
    He informed that the moved into the state after they bribed security personnel with N1500.
  • COVID-19: Wike imposes 24-hour indefinite lockdown on Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor LGAs

    COVID-19: Wike imposes 24-hour indefinite lockdown on Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor LGAs

    A 24-hour indefinite lockdown has been imposed on Port Harcourt City and Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas by the Rivers State Government.

    The government also said all helicopter operators, especially Caverton and Bristow, must henceforth submit manifests of all their passengers for vetting before flying into the state.

    The measures, according to Governor Nyesom Wike, is to further check the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic in the state.

    Wike, in a broadcast on Monday, advised all residents of two LGAs to stay at home to avoid being arrested by the officials of the state task force on COVID-19.

    He said: “We have decided on the extreme measure of placing the entire Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City Local Government Areas under a 24 hours total lockdown from Thursday, May 7, 2020 until further notice.

    The governor said the measure was taken because of persistent disobedience to “government’s lawful orders and directives on COVID-19” by a number of communities and residents, especially in the affected LGAs despite repeated warning.

    He added: “On the whole, we can all see that COVID-19 cases confirmed across the country are growing in numbers, meaning that the situation in our state, although still relatively low, can change for the worse, if we relax our measures or become complacent

    “In view of the foregoing, government has resolved to impose additional measures by the Executive Order, I have just signed, which are targeted at reinforcing our efforts toward stopping the spread of the virus in the state”.

    ”On no account should there be any vehicular movements or gathering of more than two persons in these LGAs, except those on essential services with appropriate authorization.

    “All shops, trading or business activities, including currency exchange, in these LGAs must also remain closed until further notice.

    ”All landlords are advised to ensure that no shop or trading activity is opened or carried out in or around their premises or risk the confiscation of their property by the government.

    “Any person, group or institution that violates the lockdown and curfew in these LGAs will be made to face the full wrath of the law. “

    Wike also announced a review of the waivers and permits granted workers of oil companies to enter the state.

    He said the review became necessary given the threat posed to the state by oil and gas company workers.

    The governor therefore appealed to helicopter service companies to obey the state’s new directives.

    He said the 14th confirmed COVID-19 case was flown into Port Harcourt by Bristow Helicopters from an offshore oilfield in Akwa Ibom State on April 29, 2020.

    Wike argued that that case confirmed fears that unchecked entry of oil and gas workers from Lagos, Abuja and elsewhere remained a potential source for the importation of COVID-19 in the state.

    The governor said, “All inward-bound vehicles and flights to Rivers State from oil and gas companies with workers for crew change or other essential operations must first submit details of their manifests to the state’s taskforce on COVID-19 for proper vetting of their virus status before they can be allowed to enter the state.

    ”All operators of chartered flights into Rivers State for oil and gas operations, especially Bristow and Caverton Helicopters, should please comply with this directive and refrain from jeopardizing the lives of our people for the sake of making profits.”

    Wike also ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of Chief B.A. Worgu and Mr. Isaiah Abraka for organizing night markets in defiance of existing ban on such activity.

    Besides, he issued a stern warning to the Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) to stop politicalizing Coronavirus in the state.

    He said: “This government is focused and therefore will not allow itself to be distracted on its battle against COVID-19. However, we will neither tolerate nor hesitate to deal with anyone who dares to fabricate lies to rubbish the hard work and sacrifice we are making to save the lives in our people just to advance parochial partisan interests.

    “I wish to reiterate that the hard choices we have to make as a government and as a people over the COVID-19 pandemic are all premised on upholding the sanctity of human life. ”

    Wike, who also enjoined all residents of the state to wear face masks before stepping out of their homes to the public spaces, prohibited the operations of all private motor parks, taxi parks and loading bays throughout the state.

    He said that the COVID-19 task force had been directed to arrest and prosecute any person without face masks in public places or inside vehicles.

    Wike observed that while the government was battling the importation of this virus, the greatest threat to people’s lives was posed not by outsiders but by residents’ refusal to conform to the new experience.

    The governor said N100,000 would be given to any whistleblower with relevant information leading to the arrest and prosecution of any person, hotelier or motorist that violating government’s directives on checking the spread of the virus.

  • Port Harcourt serial women killer identifies seven victims in mortuary

    Port Harcourt serial women killer identifies seven victims in mortuary

    Accused serial killer of women in Port Harcourt, Gracious David West was dragged to mortuaries to identify the bodies of seven out the 19 people he killed while on the prowl.

    This came to light on Friday at his trial when one of investigating police officers of SARS Port Harcourt, presented West’s statement affirming the morbid visits.

    The IPO Sergeant Ogbomudia Timi Engbokuru presented the statement and two others to the court.

    David-West admitted the statements belonged to him.

    And as Engbokuru told the court, he made them at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad Office , Police Headquarters and Elekahia Police Station.

    Engbokuru said Mr David-West after confessing to the crime ,took the Police on 20 September to all the hotels rooms where he killed the women.

    The trial before Justice Adolphus Enebeli and Justice Mark Chukwu continues.

    David-West was arrested on 19 September.