Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said criticisms
against his government actions to curtail the spread of COVID-19 are sponsored
by his political opponents.
This is as the state announced the death of one of
the members of the COVID-19 Task Force attacked at Prodest Hotel in Eleme, one
of the two hotels that were later demolished by the state government.
Speaking on Wednesday after inspecting on-going
projects in the state capital, Wike said the criticisms were sponsored by
failed governorship aspirants, who are determined to mislead the country.
According to him, "Those who want to be governor
but don't have the opportunity can continue to pay people to write against the
state. At the end of the day, history will vindicate us.
"Remember, it was Rivers State that started
the closure of borders. At the time, they criticised and asked if I am the president.
I am not a president and I have never claimed to be. I never purchased form to
be a president, but I felt that protecting Rivers people is paramount. Now
everybody is following suit. When you take action, not everyone will love it.
At the end of the day, they will find out that it is in the best interest of
the people."
The governor, who also arrested some persons who
refused to wear face masks during his last Tuesday outing, said: "Nigeria
is a difficult place; a very difficult country.
That is why when I see some social media lawyers and those who practice
on the pages of newspaper criticizing, I am not surprised."
He restated that the state government is committed
to the safety of the Rivers people no matter the criticism.
"All we are doing is to keep ourselves safe
and keep our people protected. Those who are not wearing their masks, we have
to arrest them because nobody is above the law.
"You will see people come up tomorrow to say
you would have taken them to court first before you arrest them.
"If you don't support the government to
succeed in this fight against coronavirus,
everyone will suffer. As a governor, I can stay inside the Government
House and not come out.
"But every day, I am virtually out, which is a risk
for me. But I took oath to protect my people and I will always protect my people.
If it turns around tomorrow, this is what I will face, I have no
apologies," he said.
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