Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has ordered all employees in Government House to go for compulsory COVID- 19 tests.
Wike said the ongoing increased testing for coronavirus in the state was part of his government’s commitment to save more lives.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said the governor spoke when the Executive Director of BUA Foundation presented three ambulances to him at Government house, Port Harcourt.
The governor insisted that more testing would reveal more covid-19 cases to enable the government dedicate prompt medical attention to the people.
“The more we test, the more the number will increase and we are willing to continue to test,” Wike said. “Let our people know that this not the kind of sickness to be ashamed of. Nobody knows who you have shook hands with.
“I’m sure, in Rivers State, we have lost not less than 38 lives on the record. Nobody will be happy that each day you wake up, you hear that somebody, probably a bread winner of the family, is no longer there because of covid-19 pandemic.
“In fact, I have given a directive that all staff of government House must go for testing, Nobody knows who is a carrier and we must save everybody as much as we can.”
Wike lauded the sustained support from BUA Foundation to the Rivers state government particularly at the period of covid-19 pandemic.
He said most companies in the state were only interested in making profit but would not support the government to save lives.
He said: “BUA group has not only come to support us at this critical period but they have shown that really, they are part and parcel of the state. I sincerely commend you.
“So many companies shy away from identifying with the state where they operate because of lack of understanding. Making profit alone is what is important to them but to support government to save life is very difficulty for them.
“You have donated to the Rivers state government the sum N100million before, you have given us a lorry load of other items. Today, you have given us three life support ambulances.
“I want to sincerely say that Rivers State government will continue to identify with you and to make sure that we make the environment easy for you to continue to do your business.
“All those who are here and not supporting us to save life in the state should not also expect to get cooperation from the Rivers state government. Those I consider as brothers and sisters are persons who identify with me when I’m in trouble.
“Do not relent in supporting the government of the state. This is where you’re doing business. We are a peaceful people and have fought insecurity to the lowest ebb. You can attest to the fact today that, apart to covid-19, Rivers state is safe,” he added.
