By Ibraye Martins
The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Barinada Mpigi, has applauded the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for his prompt action to stop Carveton Helicopter’s disregard of the State government’s regulations on COVID-19.
Wike’s action, according to him, is in defence of the Rivers people, and vowed to support him to any length.
It can be recalled that on April 7, 2020, two Carveton Helicopter pilots who were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt for contravening the Executive Order signed by the Governor to halt the spread of Covid-19 were detained at the State Government-owned facility in GRA Port Harcourt.
In a statement made available newsmen, Senator Mpigi insisted that Wike was right to stop what he described as moves aimed at endangering the lives of Rivers people.
“Any attempt by the federal government to sacrifice the lives and wellbeing of Rivers people on the altar of economic consideration is unacceptable, unfortunate and a detestable show of dangerous politics.
“Why then did the Minister not consider it necessary to put Rivers State Government into confidence as to their intentions in the interest of the public or is the Minister affirming the fear of Rivers people that the federal government values revenues from the state over and above their lives?
“It is also pertinent to remind the Minister that the same way the federal government reserves the right to approve flights for revenue purposes, His Excellency Governor Nyesom Wike also reserves the constitutional right to protect the lives of Rivers people.
“We, in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District and indeed all Rivers people are strongly in support of the proactive and decisive efforts of His Excellency Governor Nyesom Wike in the fight against COVID-19, including his ban of the activities of Carveton Helicopters in the State,” the Senator said.
He further reassured the governor that Rivers people were prepared to go with him in the fight to save the State from any conspiracy aimed at undermining the health, peace and wellbeing of residents of the state.
