Wike orders workers to go for COVID-19 test

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has directed Government House employees to go for COVID-19 testing.

The governor, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications Paulinus Nsirim, spoke when BUA Foundation presented three ambulances to the state.

Wike said: “The more we test, the more the number will increase and we are willing to continue to test. Let our people know that this not the kind of sickness to be ashamed of. Nobody knows who you have shaken 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 breadwinner, is no longer there because of COVID-19.

“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 praised BUA Foundation for the support and urged other companies to emulate it.

The governor said: “So many companies shy away from identifying with the state where they operate because of lack of understanding.

“Making a profit alone is what is important to them but to support the government to save a life is very difficult for them.

“You donated to the Rivers State government the sum N100 million; 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.”

BUA Foundation Executive Director, Khalifa Rabiu, expressed appreciation to Wike for creating a conducive business environment.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Princewill Chike, said 3,434 samples had been tested and that the state treatment centre successfully managed and discharged about 584 patients.