The lockdown order passed on by the president of Nigeria was only to three states which are Lagos, Ogun and FCT. the Governor of Rivers state, Gov. Nyesom Wike meanwhile decided to take the personal liberty he has and issue his own stay at home order for residents of the state.
The Governor however directed last week that markets be re-opened for two days this week, Tuesday and Wednesday in order for residents of the state to be able to get their needs while having their easter celebrations indoors, he ordered the markets to be opened up from 7 am to 12 pm for those two days.
The governor of Rivers state, however, did not include the major markets in the state in this re-opening, as the still remain on lockdown due to the number of people that come to the markets. these markets on lockdown include the Oil Mill market, Slaughter market and Mbiama market.
Some residents who had come out from the lockdown in order to buy from the market or sell in the market were pleased with the Rivers state governor’s motive and applauded him for his decisions.
A teacher on the state, Mrs Ngozi Ume said, “The price increases I noticed on goods today aren’t a surprise, nation-wide celebrations like the Easter usually attracts little or moderate increase in prices of food items, clothing and other consumables. “For me, the sit-at-home order is rather a blessing in disguise, I don’t have to buy new clothes for my children and I’m not also expecting much guests this Easter. “So, in order to cope with high costs on commodities, I have channeled all resources to food and other daily family needs,”
A poultry products seller, Mr. Effet Igo also commended the Governor while also pointing out that the time limit of 12pm was rather short and would make it difficult for the business to be carried out properly.
With rivers state recording their second case yesterday, the timing of this might also be questioned given that markets are one of the busiest places that hygiene is not taken into consideration properly, which might do more harm than good to the people of the state if the virus finds it way to start spreading from any of the gatherings in the market. Hopefully this decision doesn’t come around to haunt the people of the state as the measures that have been taken have been commendable.