Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has criticized the Federal Government for continued exposure of the state to danger, as oil expatriates continue to be flown into the state, despite the ravaging corona virus pandemic.
According to the governor, Rivers State is overwhelmed with letters daily from the Federal Government to allow oil companies to fly in expatriates to drill oil.
Governor Wike also berated the federal government for excluding Rivers State in the support via medical aids and relief materials, in the fight against corona virus.
Wike stated that Rivers State was yet to receive any assistance from the federal government, while describing the action as politicizing the fight against the spread of coronavirus in the country.
He noted that despite the exclusion of the state, Federal Government has continued to endanger the State by flying expatriates into Rivers State.
“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 as the nation’s oil and gas hub that produces a greater percentage of the nation’s wealth has not received any support from the Federal Government.
“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.”
The governor maintained that every state in the country was important in the fight against the spread of coronavirus, emphasising that no state should be singled out for special treatment.
“The Federal Government should prevail on its agencies that connive with Aero Contractors and Caverton HelicoptersCaverton Helicopters to fly in workers on essential services to the state to ensure that the health status of these individuals as it relates to COVID-19 is ascertained.”