Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has ordered a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the state to forestall the spread of the coronavirus.
Wike, in a statewide broadcast on Monday night, announced that the curfew followed violations of the market closure order by the state government.
Residents of parts of Port Harcourt were forced off the streets on Tuesday by security personnel.
Residents who went out as early as 6 am were driven back by security personnel in Obiri-Ikwerre Junction (Ozuoba, Rumualogu) – Choba and from Education Bus Stop – Agip Junction.
“Anybody who ventured to go out was driven back except those who can identify themselves as essential workers,” Pius Edemeka, a resident of Ikwere Road, told NAN.
Wike said the State Security Council reached the decision after monitoring compliance with the directive.
According to the governor, all beer parlours and public drinking joints have been closed because “they have suddenly become an extension of night clubs that were earlier shut down.”
He stated that any beer parlour or public drinking joint found to be open would be acquired by the state government.
Wike said: “All landlords are advised to warn their tenants who use their property as beer parlours or public drinking joints to adhere to this directive.
“Traditional Rulers, Youth Leaders and Community Development Committees are to ensure that beer parlours and public drinking joints in their areas remain closed. Any Traditional Ruler who allows markets to be open in his domain will be deposed.
“Government is investigating the illegal operation of markets at night at Woji and Elelenwo Communities. Further violation by residents of these two communities will attract declaration of curfew.”
He also announced the immediate suspension of the council chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and his deputy for failing to implement government’s directive on the closure of markets.
