Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is very bitter with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led government over the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He said; “The nation does not need the nature of politics being played by the Federal Government and her agencies at this time when Coronavirus is ravaging the world.”

“There must be a collaboration to fight the Coronavirus pandemic. NCDC (National Centre for Disease Control)  is building laboratories in Lagos, Ogun and Kano, without building in Rivers State.”

“This is a state that is exposed to several foreign and local visitors with no single federal intervention.”

“When oil companies write to change crew, we insist on knowing their Coronavirus status. If they continue to politicise COVID-19, Nigeria will suffer it.”

“When I demanded support from the Federal Government, many people called for my head, but the Northern governors and the Kano State Government has demanded for assistance.”

“Initially, the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje  criticised the Federal Government over lack of support. When the support came, he said the Federal Government is doing well. If they also support Rivers State, we will also commend them.”

“We will not relax because if Coronavirus escalates in this Rivers State, we will not get any form of support. Most of these oil companies also sabotage us. One of the cases at the state treatment centre is an oil worker who came from the rig.”

“He tested positive and now our health workers are tracing all his contacts to check the spread”.

“This taskforce is very important.  When they don’t want you to live, you must devise means to survive. You have to support the security agencies and don’t allow anyone to get into the state without approval.”

“Anyone coming into the state must be screened by the health officials. Don’t join the security agencies to extort the people. If that happens, the essence of this task force is defeated.”

“We are being sabotaged at sea, land and at the domestic wing of the airport. Sometimes, they secretly receive flights and before we know the people sneak into the town. The Task Force in Ikwerre must check anyone coming from the airport.”

“When we shout, they say we are fighting the Federal Government.  All we are saying is help us to fight the virus. This is a matter of life and death. You must protect your people”.