Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, has fired Sunny
Okere, permanent secretary, establishment, for “flouting COVID-19 guidelines”.
The governor announced this in a statewide broadcast on
Wednesday, saying the sack of the permanent secretary would serve as a lesson
to others.
Okere was accused of chasing enforcement officers away at a
burial where more than the regulated number of persons were in attendance.
“Burial ceremonies are also reportedly being conducted in
clear breach of the 50 persons maximum attendance limit, such that a serving
permanent secretary had the temerity to chase away officials of the state
ministry of health who went to enforce the established guidelines on public
burials at Oyigbo,” the governor said.
“As a Government, we are serious with our own
responsibilities and those who take our resolve for granted and think that they
can undermine our efforts at will without suffering consequences are gravely
mistaken.
“Consequently, the permanent secretary, establishment, Mr.
Sunny Okere has been relieved of his appointment with immediate effect for
flouting and obstructing the enforcement of the guidelines on public burials.
This should serve as a lesson to all other public officers who may wish to be
irresponsible.
“Appealing to residents of the state, the governor said his
government will not relent in its commitment to save lives. He urged the
residents to abide by the measures and protocols put in place to fight the
spread of the virus in the state.”
The governor also announced that bars, cinemas, viewing
centres and related business remain closed until further notice.
“We are closely monitoring compliance with the wearing of
face masks in public places, including transport vehicles, and urge residents
to strictly comply or risk arrest and prosecution,” he said.
“All supermarkets and related stores and businesses must
continue to enforce social distancing and the compulsory wearing of face masks
or risk being sealed off.
“A state joint task force made up of security and civilian
personnel has been set up to enforce the wearing of face masks in the state.
“We are appraising the prospect of opening our markets to
public trading and would do so once we are satisfied that it is safe and proper
with appropriate guidelines to enforce social distancing, hand washing, basic
hygiene practices, and the wearing of face masks.
“We are taking necessary measures to decontaminate our
public schools, protect our children and ensure the safe resumption of schools
for terminal classes in line with the federal government’s guidelines on a date
to be announced by the commissioner of education.”
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