Total Exploration and Production Limited (Total E & P) has commended Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his proactive approach towards tackling the coronavirus pandemic, saying that the nation would have had reduced cases if everyone acted like Governor Wike.
Executive General Manager of Total E & P, Port Harcourt Administration, Godwin Barika made the declaration at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday when the company made further presentation to support the State Government’s fight against the spread of coronavirus.
He said: “We want to thank the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. He has been very exemplary.
“We have joined forces with him because he is wonderful and proactive.
“He saw ahead. If every other state did what he has done, we would have had reduced number of cases.”
Barika said that Total E & P will continue to support the Rivers State Government to defeat COVID-19.
He said: “We thank you. We support you. We have also given what we think can support the State because we believe in the state.
“This is where we work. This is where our facilities are and we will continue to be here to join forces in ensuring that the economy of this state grows.
“We came to show that support. We also came to make requests for what we will require to ensure that our operations continue.”
The company solicited the support of the Rivers State Government as they work to address challenges offshore.
“We also to be very sure that if we have challenges offshore, we are able to take care of such challenges. He has signed several approvals for us and we are very grateful.
“Even after COVID-19, we will continue to relate with the Rivers State Government to ensuring that the economy of this state grows,” he said.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike commended Total E and P for their support in the fight against coronavirus.
He said: “On behalf of the Government and People of Rivers State, commend Total and E and P for supporting the state Government as regards the fight against coronavirus.
“You have shown that you care for the lives of those who work with you and Rivers people.”
Governor Wike said that the Rivers State Government will publicly appreciate all donors in Newspaper Publications.
He said: “At the appropriate time, Rivers State Government will publish donations made by individuals and corporate bodies. Those who are friends of Rivers State, who supported the State.”
Governor Wike said that this is the period the State Government requires the support of organisations and people.
He said that the great relationship should continue well after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is the period you require the support of people . We believe that this relationship will continue. Not after COVID-19, nobody will see you.
“Try as much as you can to carry out your corporate social responsibility in the communities where you operate. That gives you peace and good relationship with the communities” he said.
It could be recalled that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Sunday, May 10th, 2020 monitored the demolition of Prudent Hotel, Alode, Eleme and Etemeteh Hotel, Onne, in line with Rivers State Government Executive Order 6, which banned the operation of hotels across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.
Governor Wike told journalists that the law must be obeyed, hence the State Government’s decision to enforce it.
He said: “Government has no alternative but to apply the Executive order which I signed before the lockdown of Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt. I called all the Traditional Rulers and Council Chairmen and told them to ensure that no hotel operates in the State.
“We are not saying it will be forever. This is for now, so that we know where we are. To reduce the cases and check the spread.
“Whether you are PDP or not, all we are saying is that nobody is above the law. If we can do this to a PDP person, then you know we are not discriminatory. Everyone must obey. Whether you are in PDP, SDP or no party, you must obey the law. If any other person does the same thing, the same rule will apply. ”
“Nobody wants to obey any rules. We are saying just for now, keep off, let us see how we can keep our people safe”, he said.
The Governor said that the focus on hotels is due to the fact that one of the cases in the state spread the virus from a hotel.
He said: “Look at the rate of infections, most of these people are found in hotels. Look at the man that died, he was at Mingi Hotel in Rumumasi. Due to that contact, we have had other seven cases.
“People should help us and support Government for Rivers people to be safe. Security Council will meet to review the strategies and achievements or setbacks, moving forward.
“All we are doing is to protect our people. Some people may not like our strategies, but our objective is to achieve results. ”
He assured that the State Government will always continue to protect the people. He said the fight against the spread of coronavirus is serious, that is why he is leading it personally.
“People talk about hunger. But it is only a living person that can discuss hunger. We will continue to work to protect our people.
“What we are doing is to tell the people that the State Government is serious. This being led by me, people should know that the State Government is determined to ensure that we defeat coronavirus,” he said.
He said those involved in the crime will be prosecuted. He said that the Managing Director of the hotel at Onne has been arrested.
