Residents across Rivers State are in celebration mood following the lifting of the statewide curfew which had been in force since April, 2021.
Most of the residents who gathered in groups to discuss the welcome development, told our reporter that many businesses which had been comatose as a result of the curfew, and would bounce back to life, thanking Governor Wike for doing the needful.
LadyOluebubeEbere Anthony who fries Akara, yam and plantain in the evenings at Elioparanwo area of Port Harcourt, the State capital, commended Governor Wike for the gesture and gave him kudos for managing the security challenges in the state.
Her words: “My business suffered a serious setback since the curfew was imposed. Life was almost getting unbearable for my family because frying akara, yam and plantain in the evenings has been the only business I do for over 5 years. May God bless Governor Wike for lifting the curfew”.
The sentiments expressed by the woman captured the mood not only in Port Harcourt, but across the state where movements had been seriously restricted, a situation that also affected the living standard of the people.
At Udi Street in Mile One Diobu area of Port Harcourt, commercial bus drivers were seen blaring their horns noisily as a way of celebrating the curfew lifting.
Governor Nyesom Wike had in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, said the lifting of the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, July 7, 2021.
Below are full text of the Governor’s broadcast:
My dear people of Rivers State
In response to the security breaches and premeditate attacks and killing of security officers in some of our neighboring States by gunmen we imposed a night-time curfew on our land borders with other States on the 28th of April 2021.
2. Following the premediated attack and killing of some security personnel in Abua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas by gunmen, we were forced to impose a statewide curfew from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.
3. On the 11th of May 2021, the gunmen defied the existing curfew and carried out yet another murderous attack and killing of some security personnel in the State. This prompted the review of the statewide curfew from 7.00 pm to 6.00 a.m.
4. Then, on the 16th of May 2021 the existing curfew timeframe was readjustedto 8.30 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. for Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas only.
5. As we have reiterated severally, we understand the extremity of these measures, especially their negative impact on business and the social-economic wellbeing of the State and its residents.
6. However, in taking these measures, our primary concern and interest was and still remains the security of the State and no sacrifice or price can be said to too much to endure for the preservation of lives and property.
7. And as we have severally stated, the curfew is not going to last a day beyond necessary. 8. Consequently, sequel to the measurable improvements in the security situation in the State as well as in our neighbouring States, we have decided to lift the existing curfew on the entire State from tomorrow 7th July 2021.
8. While we thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this trying period, we must all remain security conscious and report any suspicious situation to the security agencies for action.
9. On our part, we will not fail to deploy every resource at our disposal to ensure the safety of lives and property while advancing the wellbeing of all residents.
10. This is the very reason we are clearing the State of shanties that have become veritable sanctuaries for criminals and criminal activities across the State. Clearly, our actions in this direction are not directed or targeted at any particular person, identity or group.
11. Once again, thank you all for your support, prayer and solidarity as we continue to work together to keep Rivers State safe and secure for all.
12. Thank you and may God bless Rivers State.
