Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has confirmed taking the COVID-19 vaccination, dispelling rumours and insinuations that he refused to take the vaccine out of possible fear.
He made this disclosure when the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 delegation led by the National Incident Manager, Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Governor Wike said ahead of the resumption of international flights at the Port Harcourt Airport, the state government would dissolve the tribunal set up to prosecute violators of COVID-19 protocol if federal authorities try to influence the outcome of cases.
‘Some people said that I did not take my vaccine. I did, but I am not into public shows. Taking a vaccine is not undertaking any project for anybody to see that you have taken the vaccine. It has turned to politics. Assuming what I am taking is not the vaccine? Yes, I can pretend, and then they will put it in the news that I have taken the vaccine,’ the governor said.
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‘Nigerian like to play politics with everything. They will call the press, Governor this has taken. But, let them not tell you that I have not taken. I did my own in the Government House clinic quietly. So, I don’t need to begin to announce it to the world.’
The governor lauded the PTF Chairman, Mr. Boss Mustapha, and members of his team for the good job they have done in containing the spread of COVID-19.
He explained that the N1 billion given to Rivers State by the PTF was managed by the Commissioner for Health and the state government is prepared to account for the fund.
‘We are not people who collect money from the task forrce and divert it. We are not a party to that. We are ready to give account any day, anytime because that money is a public fund,’ he said.
Governor Wike directed the state Commissioner of Transport to give the PTF a 40 seater luxurious bus to convene passengers from the airport to the quarantine centre.
He announced that work would immediately commence on the VIP lounge of the Port Harcourt International Airport and the job is expected to be completed within six months.
The PTF National Incident Manager, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, applauded Governor Wike for tackling the pandemic head-on right from the first index case in the State.
Muhammad explained that ahead of the planned resumption of international flights at the Port Harcourt Airport, the PTF has to visit the state to ensure all COVID-19 protocol measures are in place.
He enjoined the state government to arrange for a hotel that would be used as a health facility and negotiate for a rate that should be affordable for any passenger to pay.
Finally, the PTF requested the state government to help beef up security at the airport and quarantine facility so that any person of concern do not escape and endanger the health of the public.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK