Local: Rivers State Government suspends total lockdown exercise in Port Harcourt for six days


Governor Nyesom Wike in a state-wide broadcast on Wednesday stated that Rivers State Government has suspended the total lockdown exercise in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas for six days, with effect from Thursday, 21st May 2020.

Residents and visitors to these local government areas can therefore leave their homes for their legal business from tomorrow morning, that is, Thursday 21 May to 8.00 p.m., Tuesday 26 May 2020, when the lock-down will be restored and maintained until further notice.

It is important to emphasized that the relaxation only allows for free human and vehicular movements and the opening of limited businesses, such as banks, supermarkets, shopping malls and grocery shops.

All land, sea and air exit and entry borders and routes into Rivers State shall remain closed.

Similarly, all open markets, motor parks, hotels, bars, night clubs, in-service restaurants and barbers’ shops must remain closed.

Religious gatherings of more than 50 persons remain prohibited.

All public weddings, burials and other social gathering also remain prohibited.

Private and commercial vehicles, including tricycles must continue to limit the number of passengers to two persons only.

The wearing of face masks or coverings in public spaces, including commercial and private vehicles remains compulsory as those who contravene would be arrested and summarily dealt with as the law demands,” he stated.


And so, for those, who have nothing to do outside their homes, please stay at home and stay safe. Let us also try to ensure that we keep and protect the most vulnerable persons among us, especially the aged and those with serious underlying health conditions from this virus,” he said.

The Governor urged all residents to continue to maintain social distances in all areas, including within vehicles, bank premises and shopping areas, as required by the existing regulations.

He warned that those who refuse to abide by these duly established orders and restrictions would be arrested and prosecuted, as usual, for deliberately endangering themselves and the lives of others in the face of this deadly virus.

The Governor expressed appreciation to all those who are in the frontlines supporting the efforts of the State Government in several ways to mitigate the spread of this virus in our State.

Wike reassured residents of the state that his government was determined more than ever to do everything to fight against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Rivers State.