Rivers State Governor, Governor Wike has suspended Abua-Odual Local Government Chairman Hon. Daniel E.O Daniel for one month, for failing to show commitment in the fight against coronavirus.
In a statement released by Simeon Nwakaudu who is the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, said the governor announced the suspension of Abua-Odual chairman on Tuesday 7th April 2020, at the inaugurating of a 33-man Committee who have been charged to purchase foodstuffs from Farmers/Fishermen for distribution as Palliatives to Rivers people at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, Governor Wike before announcing the suspension of the Abua-Odual chairman, had said that Rivers State will not wait for the Federal Government in its commitment to provide palliatives for Rivers people during the trying period of checking the spread of coronavirus.
He said: “We are not waiting for the Federal Government to assist us. We are making the right sacrifices to promote the welfare of our people”.
He directed the members of the committee to work for the people of Rivers State by deploying the allocated funds for the good of Rivers people. He said:
“It is the duty of this committee to ensure that this policy succeeds. We must not fold our hands at this time “.
The Governor said that the entire world is in a war situation and tough measures must be taken to tackle the outbreak. He said:
“Our goal is to ensure that no agricultural product like yam, garri, plantain, palm oil and fish leaves our State during this period.
“While the farmers and fishermen will make their profits, the less privileged will have enough food supply for their families.”
Responding on behalf of members of the committee, Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo assured the Rivers State Governor that the committee will deliver in line with its terms of reference. He said:
“We appreciate the magnitude of this assignment and the committee will hit the ground running.” He said that the committee will ensure that Rivers people benefit from the outstanding policy of Governor Wike to assist them during the coronavirus crisis.
Dr Tammy Danagogo said that the Rivers State Governor has continued to lead the way in the fight against coronavirus. He said when the Governor closed the borders, he was criticised, but later copied by other states.
He said this new policy will be copied by other states. The committee later held its inaugural meeting after its inaugural meeting.