Rivers State Government has suspended the total lockdown exercise in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas for six days, with effect from Thursday, 21st May 2020.

ABN TV reports that Governor Nyesom Wike stated this on Wednesday in a State-wide broadcast.

“Residents and visitors of Port Harcourt And Obio/Akpor local government areas can, therefore, go out of their homes for their lawful businesses from tomorrow morning, that is, Thursday, May 21 until 8.00 p.m., Tuesday 26th of May 2020, when the lockdown will be restored and maintained until further notice.

“It is important to emphasize that the relaxation only allows for free human and vehicular movements and the opening of limited businesses, such as banks, supermarkets, shopping malls and grocery shops.

“All land, sea and air exit and entry borders and routes into Rivers State shall remain closed.

“Similarly, all open markets, motor parks, hotels, bars, night clubs, in-service restaurants and barbers’ shops must remain shut.

“Religious gatherings of more than 50 persons remain prohibited.

“All public weddings, burials and other social gatherings also remain prohibited.

” Private and commercial vehicles, including tricycles must continue to limit the number of passengers to two persons only.

“The wearing of face masks or coverings in public spaces, including commercial and private vehicles remains compulsory as those who contravene would be arrested and summarily dealt with as the law demands,” he stated.

The Governor enjoined all residents to continue to maintain social distancing in every space, including within vehicles, bank premises and shopping places as required by the subsisting regulations.

He warned that those who refuse to comply with these duly established orders and restrictions would be arrested and prosecuted, as usual, for deliberately endangering themselves and the lives of others in the face of this deadly virus.

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Governor Wike reassured residents of the state that his government was determined more than ever do everything to fight against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Rivers State.

“We, therefore, urge residents not to panic even with the increasing number of positive cases, which is only indicative of the expanded testing now taking place in the State.

“Before long, we will flatten the curve, gradually lift the restrictions, restore normalcy and open up the State fully for business.

“But until then, we will continue to ask for is your patience, cooperation and religious compliance with the established measures to curb the spread of this virus.

“And so, for those, who have nothing to do outside their homes, please stay at home and stay safe. Let us also try to ensure that we keep and protect the most vulnerable persons among us, especially the aged and those with serious underlying health conditions from this virus,” he said.

The Governor expressed appreciation to all those who are in the frontlines supporting the efforts of the State Government in several ways to mitigate the spread of this virus in our State.

https://abntv.com.ng/2020/05/dont-wear-face-masks-if-you-are-asthmatic-say-experts/

President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of Prof. Charles Uwakwe as the Registrar/Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council, (NECO).

Similarly, he has dismissed four other Management Staff of the Council for various offences.

In a letter dated 11th May 2020 and signed by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education, Arc. Sonny Echono on behalf of the Education Minister, Uwakwe was accused of violating the Public Procurement Act (2007) and pursuant to PSR 030402 and part 1 schedule 4 (i) of NECO Establishment Act. Part of the letter reads: “after due consideration of the investigative panel on the allegation of unsatisfactory conduct levelled against you and some Management Staff of the Council, Mr President in the exercise of his powers, has approved your removal as Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of National Examinations Council with effect from the date of your suspension from duty”.

The Former Registrar was directed to hand over all Government properties in his custody to the Acting Registrar of the Council.

Also, in another letter with reference NO: FME/S/1419/C.3/T/98, dated 11th May 2020 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, it’s disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the dismissal from service of Four Management Staff for various offences.

A Press Statement signed by Head Information and Public Relations Division, Azeez Sani said the affected officers are: Mr Bamidele Olure, Acting Director (Finance and Accounts), Dr Shina Adetona, Head of Procurement Division, Mr Tayo Odukoya, Deputy Director and Barr. Babatunde Aina, Head of Legal/Board matters.

The letter stated that “after due consideration of the Financial Report of the Review Committee, Mr President has approved the recommendations as follows”.

“Mr Bamidele Amos Olure, Acting Director (Finance and Accounts), dismissal from the service with effect from the date of his suspension from office having been found guilty of financial impropriety and not qualified to Head the Finance and Accounts Department”.

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The letter also stated that Dr Shina Adetona was dismissed from service with effect from the date he was suspended from office for acts tantamount to fraudulent practices, sabotage and suppression of official records pursuant to PSR 030402 (b & t).

He is also to be prosecuted in line with section 58 (5) (a & b) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) (2007) for flagrant violation of PPA 2007 as Head of Procurement and misleading Management on Procurement.

Also, Mr Tayo Odukoya was dismissed from service for acts of serious misconduct which violates PSR 030301 and PSR 030402 (q) (t) (w).

He is to be prosecuted in line with section 58 (5) (a) and (b) of the Public Procurement Act (2007) for flagrant violation of the Act.

The letter directed the Management of NECO to Commence the process of recovering ill-gotten benefits/gains from Mr Odukoya who acted as Director of a company (M/S I-web Solutions) while in service of Government.

Barrister Babatunde Aina was dismissed from service for falsification of records and dishonesty in the sale of NECO Guest House, which violates section 2609 (a) of the Financial Regulations (FR) and PPA (2007) part X section 55 (2) – (4) and section 56 which are tantamount to serious misconduct pursuant to PSR 030301 (g), PSR 030402 (a) and PSR 030402 (m).

The letter indicated that the dismissal of Barr. Aina from service is without prejudice to the investigation being carried out by EFCC on the sale of the NECO Guest House.

It could be recalled that Prof. Uwakwe and two of the dismissed Management Staff were on 10th May 2018 placed on suspension while an investigative panel was constituted to probe the allegations of unsatisfactory conduct levelled against them.